Congratulations! You have been admitted to a college or colleges and now you have decided on the college you will attend in the fall. Although you have made your final selection and paid your tuition deposit, there are still some things to do before heading off to college in the fall.

1. Notify other colleges

Most colleges make it easy to let them know you will not be attending in the fall. By turning down the admission offer, it could open up a spot for someone on the waitlist. It is also professional and nice for you to let colleges and admission officers know you will not be attending. Plus, the colleges should take you off their mailing lists and you’ll stop receiving communications from them that you do not need.

2. Thank everyone

There are probably many people who helped you sometime during the college admission process. Some of the helpers may include your school counselor, teachers, letter of recommendation writers, coaches, parents, and family members. It was a long process and a lot of people helped. Thank them for their help and let them know where you will be attending in the fall. Let your helpers celebrate your success and future plans.

3. Submit housing paperwork and deposit

Many colleges have deadlines to get the housing application in to guarantee your housing spot in the fall. Pay attention to the deadlines and submit all required housing documents prior to the deadline. You should also make sure you are honest when filling out the housing questionnaire. It is important for you to answer the questions about who you are and not who you think you are or who you want to be. For example, if you are a little messy, don’t say you are neat. The questions on the housing application will help the housing office match you with a roommate who has similar habits. When students are polar opposites in regards to habits, such as cleanliness, it could cause some conflicts.

4. Watch your email and mailbox

The college may contact you to request information over the summer. The requests might have deadlines and are sometimes non-negotiable. Therefore, make sure you open every piece of mail and every email from the college to ensure you respond to any request they may have. Missing a deadline or not submitting a requested document could jeopardize your enrollment in the fall.

5. Update Financial Aid

If any information was incorrect when you filled out the FAFSA, log back in and make changes. In addition, if the college is requesting any financial aid documents, such as tax forms, send in the documents right away. If you’re like many students, the financial aid award letter played a large role in your final college decision. Therefore, make sure the financial aid office has every they need by the date they need it because if they don’t receive everything, your financial aid may be affected. In addition, if your finances have changed, make sure to contact the financial aid office to discuss special circumstances.

6. Submit your final high school transcript

Colleges will need and require the final transcript. Many high schools will automatically send your final transcript to your college. However, it is a good idea to check with your school counselor to make sure the transcript will be sent.

7. Submit your latest college transcript

If you have taken college courses, the college will need that transcript as well. Without the official college transcript, the college will not be able to award credit for the classes you have already taken.

8. Submit AP and/or IB test scores

Many colleges will give college credit for AP or IB test scores. However, the only way to ensure the credit is given to you is to make sure the college receives your test scores.

9. Sign up for placement tests

Some colleges require placement tests to ensure you will be in the right classes. If the college you will be attending in the fall requires placement tests, sign up for the tests.

10. Sign up for academic advising and registration

Many colleges will not let new students sign up for classes until they have talked with an academic advisor. And, depending on the college you will be attending in the fall, some courses may fill up quickly. The sooner you sign up for academic advising and registration, the more likely you will get the classes you will need in the fall.

11. Sign up for new student orientation

New student orientation is a great way for students to get familiar with the college. In addition, it is a great opportunity to meet other new students. Make sure the date is on your calendar and make plans to attend.

12. Continue looking for scholarships

It is never too late to get a scholarship. Spend a little time looking for and applying for scholarships.

While the above list looks long, the tasks are easy. Make sure you take care of all of the items to ensure a smooth transition to college.

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