Getting accepted is exciting, but it is not the final step. After you are admitted, there are still important steps to complete before you officially start college.
Start Here: After-Acceptance Checklist
- Read your admission letter carefully.
- Check your college email and student portal often even during the summer
- Review your financial aid offer.
- Submit missing financial aid documents if requested.
- Accept your admission by the deadline.
- Submit your enrollment deposit, if required.
- Apply for housing or learn about commuting options.
- Register for orientation.
- Meet with an academic counselor or advisor.
- Register for classes.
- Send final transcripts.
- Ask about first-generation student programs.
- Check for summer bridge or early-start programs.
Student Portal and Email
Your student portal is where colleges may post important updates, forms, deadlines, financial aid information, housing information, and class registration steps.
First-Gen Tip: Do not only check your personal email. After you are admitted, each college may ask you to create a student portal or campus email. Important information may only appear there.
Financial Aid After Acceptance
After you submit FAFSA or CADAA, your college may still ask for extra documents. Make sure you check your portal for missing forms.
You should also review your financial aid offer before choosing a college. Look at grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, housing costs, and your estimated remaining balance.
Housing and Commuting
If you plan to live on campus, check the housing application deadline early. Housing can have separate forms, deposits, roommate information, and deadlines.
If you plan to commute, think about transportation, parking, bus passes, gas, and how long it will take to get to campus.
Orientation and Class Registration
Orientation helps you learn about the campus, resources, and registration process. Some colleges require orientation before you can register for classes.
Meeting with an academic counselor or advisor can help you choose the right classes for your major, financial aid status, and graduation plan.
Campus Support and First-Generation Programs
After you commit to a college, look for programs and resources that can support you, such as:
- First-generation student programs
- Summer bridge programs
- Tutoring centers
- Counseling or mental health services
- Financial aid office
- Basic needs center
- Cultural centers
- Student organizations
College Counseling
In college, you are responsible for registering for your own classes. A counselor or academic advisor can help you choose classes, create an education plan, and make sure you are staying on track to graduate.
Campus Life Basics
College also includes everyday things that are not always explained. Be active on social media and search on YouTube, Instagram, and Tik Tok etc. about university campus life.
Reminder
You do not have to figure everything out alone. If something looks confusing, ask your college, counselor, advisor, or use the Ask First section on this website.