Alumni Connections
JUNE 2024 CheckList
...Tackling that College Enrollment To-Do List!
Once the COLLEGE DECISION is made...that's when the FUN (and real work) BEGINS!
Each month, I send out this newsletter that will be packed with information, links, videos, and reminders. I only focus on the tasks and issues for that month only - because we all have a lot on our plate.
JUNE is a time to take a breath for MOST students. But this summer is DIFFERENT for YOU. You will be taking your next steps towards your post-high school plans: college, trade school, military, or even the workforce.
Since many of our students are heading to college and trade schools, this email specifically includes ALL the tasks that you need to focus on for JUNE. As I've been saying for months now, each college is different - so it's important that you know what YOUR college/program requires.
In this issue...
- Sign up for CTK Exit Interview!
- Matriculation Steps!
- Financial Steps!
CTK Exit Interview
Schedule your CTK Exit Interview ASAP!
If you haven't done so already, you are REQUIRED to schedule your Exit Interview with your college counselor! Parents need not attend, but you are most welcome to join (in person or we can virtually connect!)
We CANNOT release your final transcripts without this interview - so please take care of this right away. We will have office hours all through June (typically 8am - 4pm) - so select your Counselor below and use their Calendly to grab an appointment!
Exit Interviews take less than 30 minutes!
Schedule with Mrs. DiFrancesca
Matriculation Steps
KNOW your College Email & Portal/Dashboard!
By now, you should have your college email, portal ID, and have logged in!
- SAVE that information in your phone (DO NOT just allow your device to "remember" your login info!) Create a NOTE and have your ID/User Name, Password, University Email, etc.
- In the same NOTE - type in your Social Security Number, student ID#, and any important links you may need.
- CHECK your Dashboard & Email REGULARLY. You are responsible for knowing EVERYTHING such as deadlines, "next steps", orientations, housing contracts, etc. so become an EXPERT on your college's process.
Example: For SIU-C, you'll need to log into your SalukiNet (use your Dog Tag!) and make sure you look through ALL the areas on your dashboard!
Take ALL Placement Exams Required!
If your college requires you to take placement exams - DO THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Typically, this will include a MATH assessment, but sometimes you'll have Reading/Writing depending on the student.
You most likely will NOT be able to meet with your adviser/attend orientation/register for courses UNTIL you have these tests completed!
Do your best on these exams. Give yourself the proper time, concentration, and chance to succeed on these tests: your course placement will depend on it - so you want to give your college an authentic, accurate assessment.
Register for New Student Orientation
All incoming students will most likely be required to attend ORIENTATION!
Some of these are 2-day events (so prepare to stay overnight!) - Some host mid-summer, while others do a combined Freshman Move-In with Orientation Week (where it's just Freshmen on campus days prior to the upperclassmen move-in.) While other colleges may have online orientation modules you need to complete.
Make sure you REGISTER for this orientation, if it's on your dashboard/email!
KNOW YOUR SCHOOL'S ORIENTATION REQUIREMENT and plan accordingly. Not sure where to look? Go to your school's website, use the search bar and enter in "Orientation." I've been able to find info that way - but you should also have info on your dashboard - or contact your admissions counselor!
Register for Classes/Make an Appointment with your FRESHMAN ADVISER
Once you have your placement exams completed, you'll want to follow any steps to secure your Fall class registration. This may take place during orientation - but many times, it happens PRIOR to orientation (often online/via zoom). Be sure to follow those steps on your dashboard - and DO NOT DELAY. Prime classes fill up quickly - so unless you WANT that 8am class on Monday, be first in that line to register and meet with your adviser!
Secure your HOUSING!
Make sure you take care of all housing requirements ON TIME! Make sure you acquaint yourself to the dorms available to freshmen and have your choices RANKED.
ANSWER your roommate questionnaire (if applicable) HONESTLY - even if you think you have a roommate selected. Plans can fall through - so you don't want to be matched with someone based on bogus answers.
Remember - the housing expense on your Financial Aid Award Letter is based on DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY (typical dorm, two people per room) - so if you UPGRADE to a single, this will add costs to your bill! Just be aware of that price change and plan accordingly.
You'll be given your MOVE-IN instructions based on the dorm you have been assigned to. Please plan accordingly to make your move-in window.
Have your MEDICAL RECORDS/IMMUNIZATION RECORDS Ready!
At the end of the school year, I provided you with a COPY of your most recent immunization records on file. You were then strongly encouraged to TAKE A PHOTO of the record and SHARE with a parent/guardian as a back-up.
If you can upload the immunization record to your college portal/dashboard - DO THIS IMMEDIATELY. You will NOT be allowed to MOVE IN to your dorm without proof of immunization.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING A PAPER COPY OF YOUR IMMUNIZATIONS WITH YOU on Move-In Day!
If you need to SCAN and create a PDF of your paper copy, there are plenty of free apps that will do this using your phone.
FINANCES
Student Loans (Subsidized & Unsubsidized)
MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE: If you need to utilize the federal student loan options to help pay for college, you are REQUIRED to complete the Master Promissory Note that is available on your www.studentaid.gov account. This is an agreement that you accept the terms of the loan, and promise to pay back the loans when specified in the agreement.
Subsidized Loans: For many students, you can take UP TO $3500 in subsidized loans per year. This means interest will not accrue UNTIL you stop out of college - either through graduation or withdrawal. This is the most FAVORABLE type of student loan.
UNsubsidized Loans: For many students, you can take UP TO $2000 per year. Interest, however, begins to accrue immediately - so this is LESS favorable. This amount does not begin to come due until after you stop out of college as well.
If your grants/scholarships actually cover most of your tuition/housing - try to take out less of the UNsubsidized loans, if possible. This will save you money in the long run.
ONLY TAKE OUT LOANS FOR WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED. The goal is to graduate with as little debt as possible as you begin your career/adulthood!
Complete the LOAN ENTRANCE COUNSELING
Parent Plus/Parent Direct Loans
If you and your family are financing your college through Parent Plus Loans (these are loans taken on by the PARENT - and balances due are the parents' responsibility) the parent is required to also complete a Master Promissory Note and abide by repayment terms and conditions.
NOTE: REPAYMENT of these loans typically BEGIN shortly after the loan is approved - so make sure this amount is included in monthly budgets.
Establish a PAYMENT PLAN with your college's BURSAR office
If you have chosen to set up payments, make sure you do so through your college portal! If in doubt, every college has a BURSAR's office that will help you!
In many situations, there will be a nominal fee to set up a monthly payment plan (just be aware of that when starting!) but this can help spread the cost of the school year across 10 months (or 12 months, if offered.)
NOTE:
If you carry a BALANCE at the end of a semester for ANY reason - you may not be allowed to REGISTER for the next semester. If you run into an unforeseen hardship (loss of job, medical emergency, etc.) it is CRITICAL you communicate that immediately with the bursar's office. This ALSO includes potentially defaulting on Parent Plus loan repayment plans.
Still need a SUMMER JOB? Check out this resource!
CtK Communication
Click HERE to visit our Alumni Website!
We have a TON of resources available to you on our website! Finances, Mental Health, Scholarships, Internships, Transcript Requests...you name it!
Subscribe to this Newsletter!
Our alumni will automatically receive this in their personal email inbox - but PARENTS are WELCOME to subscribe as well! That way, you are always in the loop of what is being communicated and shared with your students!
Alumni and Parents: I'm just an email/text away!
Alumni - we will always have text communication capability! Parents - you're welcome to reach out via email or call me directly should you have any questions or concerns!