I’ve Been Accepted…What Now?

A High School Senior’s Guide for Transitioning to College

Nicole Fleming and Adrienne ModlinEast Carolina University

What comes to mind when you hear the word COLLEGE?

What are your expectations of college?

Best years of my life!

To get a good education while being treated as an adult

To learn challenging curriculum while meeting new people and experiencing new ideas

Help me be ready for the road of life

Student Expectations

Change causes:

• Mixed emotions (excitement, anxiousness, worry, etc.

• New self-discoveries

For children:

• Share goals with parents• Plan ahead & plan together• Attend orientation, tours• Openly discuss concerns/fears

For parents:•Invite questions•Set ground rules/expectations•Find common ground•Share similar experiences•Discuss: specific issues you know they are likely to face & ways to ensure safety while fully experiencing college life•Guide rather than pressure (mutual respect)

Preparing for Your Transition

Time of self-discovery

Significant step towards adulthood

With privilege comes responsibility

Just you and your choices – no parents to intervene

Don’t have to figure everything out for yourself

Children

Emotional separation whether child lives at home or leaves homeChildren always need their parents, but in different ways as they get older

Accept that children want their privacy but let them know you’re always there

Allow for mistakes (life experience)

Enjoy yourself!!

Parents

Changing roles

Can be both an exciting and scary time

Get involved on campus!

• Homesick• Feeling more comfortable with new surroundingsParents should help encourage students

to explore

Stay on campus – don’t go home every weekend

Patience is a virtue• Don’t get distracted too easily

Adapting to a New Environment

Maintaining a

healthy balance

Methods?

Have a set

day/time to call

Keep child in

the loop

Take parents’ calls – don’t make them

worry!

Staying Connected to Home

On Campus

• Will be closer to classes, events, meetings, etc.• Easier to connect & enjoy campus life• More cost efficient (no rent, meal plan, less

gas)

Off Campus

• May have more freedom/privacy• More responsibility• Comfort

Living On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

Education comes first!

Use planner/calendar to organize assignments, plans, etc.

Learn to say, “No”.

Having a job may be necessary, but may make things more difficult.

Have time to rest

Balancing College Life

• May not be able to attend every social function

• Self-discipline is important• 10-20 hours a week

• Getting burned out is easy to do

LIVING WITH A STRANGER VS.

FRIENDS• Pros and cons

Getting Along With Your Roommate

ADAPT TOGETHER

COMPROMISE

OPEN COMMUNICATION• Talk openly about

issues/concerns• RA is available to

help if needed

RESPECT• Remember, you

must give in order to receive

IT’S OKAY IF YOU’RE NOT

BEST FRIENDS

Staying Healthy – Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen

• Skip fried foods & dessert• Explore the salad bar• Eat a balance diet (include

all foods groups)• Set meal times• Eat smaller meals more

often rather than infrequent large ones

• Limit alcohol consumption (one beer has 150 calories)

• Exercise regularly

Staying Healthy – Relieving Stress

Handout Highlights• Get up 15 minutes earlier• Prepare the night before• Write things down/keep a

planner• Make duplicate keys• Avoid negative people• Believe in yourself• Get enough sleep• Look for the silver lining• Tell someone, “Have a good

day!”• Relax

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

• Campus activities• Clubs and

organizations• Volunteer

opportunities• Counseling services• Medical assistance

PROFESSORS AND

ADVISORS

Exploring Your Resources

CAREERSERVICES

• Tutoring• Disability

accommodations

• Resume building/Job networking

• Internships

FAFSA GRANTS

LOANS

Paying for College

• Do the FAFSA!! (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)• www.fafsa.ed.gov• Will determine

federal & state aid that you are eligible for

• Most are need-based

• Do not have to be repaid

• Federal Stafford Loans – student name• Federal PLUS Loans – parent name• Federal Work Study

– need-based only if student is eligible

College Navigatorhttp://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator

Finances

Parents: Be straightforward with what you will/won’t

do

Be careful

with credit cards

Live within your

budget

“Poor student

attitude”

financial instabilit

y

Finances

www.fastweb.com

www.absolutelyscholarships.com

www.scholarshipplus.com

www.collegeboard.com

Scholarships• Money does not have to be repaid• Helpful sources:

www.scholarships.com