While deciding on where you want to commit to college can feel like a weight is being lifted off your shoulder, it is not the end of the list of things to do. Unfortunately, sending in your commit post for instagram is not enough to secure your admission for the upcoming school year. Use this list to help you navigate the next steps in your post-high school journey.

1. Put down your tuition deposit: In order to confirm your admission and take a place in your class, the great majority of schools require you to put down a tuition deposit of usually a few hundred dollars. 
2. Register for orientation: This opportunity is often locked until after your tuition deposit is received as orientation is reserved for admitted students and sometimes parents. Depending on the size of the school, there may be multiple dates for orientation that span throughout the summer until the few days before classes start. College orientation serves as your introduction to life at your university. They will help you register for classes, learn about advising, and teach you about the campus. Some schools have a separate parent orientation which emphasizes services that the university may provide such as health visits, food, housing, and academic support and counseling.
3. Find your course equivalencies: Taking AP, IB, or other accelerated courses in high school is a great way to save money on college tuition. Schools should have a page that shows which–if any–scores on exams they take and their course equivalency, From there you can find the course catalogue for your intended major and cross out the classes that you have received credit in!
4. Send in scores and transcripts: In order to make sure colleges take your scores, many require you to either self report them or to send in an official report from the official reporting body–such as College Board. In addition, some colleges allow new standardized testing scores to be sent in to update your eligibility for merit scholarships. Many colleges also require you to either self report or send in official first semester and end of the year transcripts to secure your admission.
5. Register for housing: If you choose to live on campus, it is important to register for housing as soon as possible in order to have a greater likelihood of securing housing and securing your first housing choice. Bigger universities tend to have lots of different housing options. I recommend looking at the layouts, price, and location of the different options in order to make your decision. In addition, if you live on campus you may be required to get a meal plan. Meal plans give you either a limited or unlimited amount of ‘swipes’ or entries into the school’s dining halls where you can get your meals. Some plans also include ‘dining dollars’ which can be used on certain on campus restaurants.   

While this to-do list may sound overwhelming, completing these tasks can save you money and time in the long run. Stepping into college gives most people a newfound experience of independence. You will be living without your family for the first time, and for many hours away. Being able to manage your schedule and your finances is key to entering the world as a responsible and successful adult.