11-29-07

College Q and A

Before we start, I want to announce some really exciting news!  Thanks to a little help from some friends (Stillwater National Bank, Erickson Design, and O’Neill Marketing Communications), the College Prep 101 book is now a reality.  It includes 104 pages of advice that covers virtually all aspects of the college application, selection, and transition processes.  So if you have a teenager, have one on your Christmas list, or know someone who does, consider buying them a copy.  It makes a great stocking stuffer at only $12.95.  It’s available in Stillwater (OK) at Hastings Books and the Student Union Bookstore, in Bartlesville (OK) also at Hastings Books, or online at www.collegeprep101.com.  Now, on with the column…

Do I need to have my own car at college?  Or will I be okay without one? 

No, you don’t need to have your own car at college.  Most colleges will be set up to accommodate those without vehicles – public or campus transportation systems, carpool bulletin boards, ease of use of bicycles, etc.  Depending on the school you attend, you may want to choose on-campus (or close to campus) housing to minimize your transportation needs.  College campuses are pretty self-contained, so you may not need to leave campus as much as you think.  Often, those with cars only drive them on weekends or back and forth to home.  If you can work that part out, you should be fine.  Some schools may not want you to bring a car anyway, since parking is a valuable commodity on most college campuses – maybe non-existent on some urban campuses.  It’s pretty easy to find somebody else going to Wal Mart or the grocery store, to catch a ride with.  Don’t forget the money you’ll save in gasoline, not to mention parking permits ($$$)!  Please DO, however, offer to help pay for gas when you ride with somebody else so they don’t think you’re a mooch!  I won’t say that life won’t be easier with a car, but you can definitely survive without one. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADMITTED TO A COLLEGE AND ENROLLED IN COLLEGE?

All of this new college lingo can be confusing, and lots of people get these two words confused.  Admitted means you’ve filled out the admission application, supplied additional documents like your SAT/ACT scores and your official high school transcript, and the school has decided that you meet their requirements and offered you a spot in next year’s class.  You are ABLE to go to school there if you choose to.  Admission can take place any time from early fall to (hopefully no later than) early spring.  Enrolled means you’ve been admitted to the school, chosen to go there, AND gone through a process where you probably do a lot of orientation to how that school does things, where everything is located, and what college life is really like, then meet with an academic advisor (last week’s column) and chosen classes and times.  You will most likely leave campus with a schedule of courses for the coming year and probably have your student ID card in your hand.  When you are enrolled, you usually ARE going to go to school there.  Enrollment usually takes place in late spring or summer.

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