Staying On Track to Attend College This Fall

The transition from high school to college can feel like it is full of obstacles and unknowns. During this in-between time after the college acceptance and before beginning the fall semester, it is understandable if your student is feeling a little overwhelmed with the idea of beginning college. In some cases, this can cause a student to become part of a college's summer melt.

Summer melt happens when students who have been accepted to college never show up to begin the school year. The cause of summer melt can range, and includes students forgetting to complete financial aid requirements, failing to turn in important health documents, or missing orientation. Below are key steps that students can take this summer to make sure they're ready for college's day one.

• Head to campus. Touring the grounds, meeting your advisor, and even buying campus gear at the bookstore are just a few ways to stay engaged with the school over the summer. If getting to campus isn't possible, take a virtual tour or explore the college's website.
• Utilize social media to share information and connect with other incoming students. Finding groups on Instagram is a great way to make friends and get to know other students.
• Keep in contact with any mentors, teachers, peers, or even former high school counselors to act as support for the transition to college.
• Check with the financial aid office to make sure you've submitted all requested documentation, and if you're borrowing a Federal Direct Student Loan, complete Entrance Counseling and sign your Master Promissory Note. The financial aid office can provide exact details on these tasks.
• Make sure to attend Orientation for new students. The admissions office should have a full list of dates.
• Find out if you need to take a placement test to enroll in any of your classes. The admissions office can provide guidance on this matter.
• If you're living on campus, make sure you've received your dorm assignment and connected with your roommate(s).
• Select your meal plan if you plan to be on campusthere may be several choices.
• If you still need to pay your fall semester bill, explore your different options, including the college payment plan or a private loan.
• Submit any required health records.
• Though you may not receive your book list until you attend your first class, you can learn now about where to purchase or rent textbooks.
• If you received work-study in your financial aid offer and plan to be on campus, start searching for jobs. Your school may have an online job board or a job fair before classes begin to get you connected to employment.
• Set up family meetings. Family meetings can be used to discuss what has been completed and what needs to be done to stay on track.

If your family has an questions as you prepare to start classes, you can contact us anytime for guidance. Reach out to us at (800) 449-MEFA (6332) or collegeplanning@mefa.org.