I Got In! Now What?

Congratulations! You got in! First off, you should be proud of yourself for all the hard work you have put in to get to this point. Go out and have a celebratory dinner if possible because it is important to cherish these achievements. You did that!

But now what? You got in, what is next? Depending on where in the world you are choosing the study, acceptance may just be the first hurdle you need to jump. Here is our guide for things to consider after you have received your college acceptance.

Picking the School

Depending on how many schools you applied to, you have a few schools to choose from when deciding where you would like to go to college. It is important to consider again your values and why you are going to college in the first place. Is it the right location whether that be closer to family or closer to opportunity? Is it in a big city or in the middle of nowhere? What companies recruit from those schools? Can I adapt to the climate, especially during the fall and winter months? What are the students that go there like? Do they align with your personal beliefs? The power is now in your hands; you get to decide where you go. Choose wisely.

Figuring Out the Finances

The next major factor to plan for after receiving your acceptance is figuring out the money. Though this can be uncomfortable for some families to discuss, it is extremely important you are honest and upfront about what you can and cannot afford. Now that you know where you would like to study, it is time to calculate the costs. Depending on where in the world you choose to study, the overall cost of college can include more than just tuition fees. Other common fees to expect are room and board, administration fees, gym memberships, lab fees (if in a science program), book fees, transportation, emergency funds, and more.

How many of these expenses will be on the parent vs. the child? Should you consider getting a part-time job while in college? Can you be employed in the country you're studying in? Are there scholarships you can apply to? Does the school you chose offer financial aid? If so, what is the process to apply? Lastly, will you be paying these fees in a lump sum at the beginning of each semester or is there a payment plan option?

Many schools do require seeing proof of full year's tuition to grant acceptance, so it is important to plan for college. Please be prepared.

Immigration

If you are leaving the region, which for most Caribbean students is often the case, what will you do about immigration? If you are a Sint Maarten citizen moving to the Netherlands, this process is as simple as signing out of the island's registry and signing into the Kingdom's. Moving to Canada or the US will require additional documentation and processes. Be sure to plan ahead if you will require a visa to attend college abroad. It is important you understand what your opportunities are in the country you wish to study and whether or not the process of moving there is easy or difficult.

Summer Plans

Your last summer as a high schooler on the island, what will you do with it? Planning on working to make some extra money, volunteer for your favorite cause, relax at home, or travel abroad, make the most of your summer before college. This is a great time to spend with your friends as you may not see them for a while if you are all going to different schools in different places. Some students choose to use summer as a means to get ahead in college; they do this by taking courses, having an internship, developing a project, and learning a new skill. Either way, make the most of your summer. Live it up. Eat your favorite food. Spend time with your loved ones. Enjoy life.

Planning the Move

The last major factor is the actual move. You chose the school, you figured out the money, you have your visa, now the move. If you are studying abroad, chances are you will have to fly there. When will you book your flight for? Who will go with you? Where will you live? If you are in the US, many freshmen have to live in dorms. Is this a requirement for your college? If you are living off-campus, what is the cost of rent, utilities, electricity, and internet? Will you be required to have insurance? How will you get to campus? What items will you bring with you versus what will you purchase once you arrive? Making sure you are able to set up personal banking in the country of study will also make it easier for you to adapt to the new country you will be living in. Opening your first bank account and credit card can be intimidating, but it is one of the first steps in living on your own.

Planning for college is key to ensure you are on the path to success from the start. Making the transition for yourself easier will help improve the overall experience of your college education. You will feel more in control of your new surroundings and be ready for the journey ahead. Have questions about planning for college, email us @ connect.empoweru@gmail.com.