A guide to navigating the steps after you receive your college acceptance.
Congratulations! In the midst of a pandemic, you worked hard, applied to college, and got accepted. College admissions can be tricky and are an obstacle within itself, but you made it through! Pat yourself on the back because it’s the first task in many on your journey to the next four (give or take) years of your life. So now what?
Depending on the college/university you’re accepted into, your matriculation steps may differ, but some things are relatively the same across most colleges and universities.
Last year, I found myself confused (especially as I matriculated to a private school which comes with its own tasks and struggles), but now that I’ve successfully matriculated to Howard University (HU!), I can help guide you all through the process so you have a smooth transition into school.
Here’s what you need to know and/or do after you get accepted into college.
1. Apply for Scholarships & Grants
Colleges usually send financial aid letters soon after acceptance letters, so it’s important to get into the mindset of how you will pay for college if you’re not sure.
You should be doing this before you were accepted or now, but it’s okay if you haven’t!
Here’s a quick rundown of what grants, scholarships, and loans are.
Grants/Scholarships
Grants are non-repayable funds to pay for school–which means free money. Grants are usually based on financial need.
Scholarships are also non-repayable funds to pay for school. Scholarships are generally based on merit, skills, etc. Some are based on financial need, the college you attend, and much more as well. Either way, it’s free money. (If you’re attending an HBCU, Thurgood Marshall College Fund and United Negro College Fund have great scholarships for HBCU students).
Loans
Subsidized loans are repayable funds that contain interest paid for by the government (the Education Department) while you’re enrolled at least half-time in college. This means interest does not accrue while you’re enrolled but usually after you graduate or leave the institute. If you must get loans, this is the better of the two.
Unsubsidized loans are repayable funds that contain interest. This interest starts to accrue immediately after the loan is disbursed to you and continues to grow during and after your school enrollment.
Some colleges also offer Parent Plus Loans where your parent or guardian takes out a loan to pay for education expenses that aren’t covered by grants and scholarships.
It’s important to know the difference, so you and your family can make the right decision financially.
2. Start the Process of Elimination
In the midst of a pandemic, the matriculation process can be even more confusing than it already is, but if you applied to more than one college, starting the process of elimination can clear up some of the post-acceptance fog.
First think about some of the most important factors when it comes to the best school for you. Some options to think about are: net cost, diversity, programs/majors available, location, student activities, post-graduate opportunities, etc. These are just a few of the vast choices you have when it comes to choosing criteria for a college.
This process can be as extensive as having a sit-down with your parents, trusted people, or counselors or as simple as creating a Google Docs list. Either way, you have a clearer path on which college is right for you.
3. Start Saving Money
If there’s one thing I wish I knew when I was admitted into college, it was this: start saving money–especially if you’re matriculating to a private school. As I matriculated to Howard University, I didn’t realize how much I would have to pay in out-of-pocket expenses such as taking placement exams, immunization fees, enrollment fees, etc.
Fees aren’t the only reason to start saving money though. You might want to start saving for dorm decorations, moving costs, or you can invest in things you’ll need for college. Life, especially in college, is unexpected so it’s always safe to save money for when unexpected things come up as well.
Being prepared for these kinds of fees and unexpected expenses relieves a lot of stress and allows you to focus on other expenses along your journey to college. Start saving money now, so you won’t be bombarded with extra fees later on. Even if it means setting a little money aside each month, you’ll still be more prepared for when it comes time to pay for out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Branch Out
College is a new experience that inevitably comes with meeting new people–whether that be friends or superiors. It’s a fantastic start from the turmoil of high school. College can be filled with newness and naivety that’s refreshing; it’s likely no one knows you, so you get to be whoever you want to be. The boisterous life of the party or the studious homebody. It’s up to you.
With this in mind, don’t be afraid to reach out to other students in your class or upperclassmen. A lot of students from different universities make GroupMes, iMessage group chats, and Instagram accounts dedicated to connecting with other students from your class. Especially since many things are virtual, it’s a lot easier to connect with your peers.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to upperclassmen either. They know a lot of information that can make your matriculation to college way easier. If you can, connect with upperclassmen who share the same major as you; it’s a great opportunity to get acclimated to expectations in the classroom.
5. Expect Change, Be Cautious, and Remember What You’re Here For
College, at its core, is one big lesson in and outside the classroom. You not only learn the curriculum but you learn about yourself and you learn others. If college is anything, it’s malleable and subject to change. It’s not like high school.
The same people you see one semester might not be there the next. The roommate or classmate who you think you can trust might not be as caring and honest as you originally perceived. Things that you think won’t happen to you may. Change, as much as you may not like it, is inevitable.
Embrace the good days, embrace the bad bays, and embrace who you are throughout this process. It’s important to be cautious and use your discernment to guide you down the right path. College, like you, is always changing.
You still have at least one end goal though: obtain your degree. Sometimes you get wrapped in the world around you, but you must remember what you’re here for and whose life you want to change.
If these tips helped you or someone you know, let me know. Don’t forget to like, comment what you wish you would’ve known about college, and share with anyone who needs the information.
