Spring 2006

In This Issue

• Transitions
• For seniors: what to expect between now and college move in
• Transition tips for seniors
• College help 411
• Top ten summer activities for juniors/rising seniors
• Minnesota Private College Week
• Quicklinks

Transitions

As summer approaches, many students are entering the transitional time between high school and college. Others are transitioning into the college search process. In this issue of Protégé, you'll find tips and resources to help you guide your students down the right path-whether it be a smooth transition into their freshman year for graduating seniors or a head-first jump into choosing a college that fits the wants and needs of a junior.

For seniors: what to expect and do between now and college move in

The senior spring and summer can be an emotional rollercoaster for students as they find themselves in limbo between high school and the unknowns of college life. We asked our colleges to supply a few ideas on what to expect in this limbo time and what students can do to get ready for college life. Read What to expect and do

Transition tips for seniors

Minnesota's Private Colleges, like all colleges and universities, have many services and staff to help first-year students learn how to navigate their new world. With their collective years of experience, Deans of Students, RAs and admissions staff helped us compile a list for students in their first year of college. Read Transition tips from the pros

Staff offer experience and wisdom, but sometimes new students just want to hear from students. So we've asked students to offer some tips for transitioning as well. Read Transition tips from students

CollegeBoard.com lists several additional resources for students making the transition to college, including information on packing, roommates, credit cards, checklists and much more.

College help 411

Walking onto a college campus for the first time as a freshman can leave students feeling a little overwhelmed, especially when they’re used to having their high school counselor to turn to for help. Fortunately, colleges offer a number of specialized resources depending on the needs of each student. New students should know about these top “go-to” people/offices on a college campus:

• RAs / JCs — RAs or Resident Assistants are upperclassmen who usually live in freshman dorms and provide support to student residents. On some campuses, in first-year dormitories these RAs might be called JCs, or Junior Counselors. RAs/JCs are there to help students find a class, plan activities, find out about clubs and organizations and help students connect with other people.
• Professors — students should not hesitate to talk to professors outside the classroom—that’s why they have office hours and are available by appointment.  They can answer questions for their specific class, academics in general, and connect students with additional help.
• Deans of Students — they help individual students and student groups with all kinds of issues and concerns, including personal and academic matters. If a student has a question about policies, procedures or problems, the Dean of Students' office is a good place to start to look for an answer.
• Academic Support Center / Academic Advising — each campus has an office or center where students can go to get help with academic work. Services can include tutoring and referral services, individual assistance in study skills improvement, test taking preparation, college reading techniques, college survival skills, seminars and workshops, and goal setting.

In addition, many of Minnesota's private colleges and universities have writing centers, math tutoring, multicultural student services, health services, career development centers and many other places to get help with just about anything. Encourage students to seek out these places and add the most important services to the list of things to inquire about when looking at colleges.

Top ten summer activities for juniors/rising seniors

For juniors just starting to think about life after high school, the summer before their senior year is a critical time in beginning the college search process. There are a number of ways to get started. Here are our top recommendations for the class of 2007:

1. Do some research. Visit college Web sites to learn about academics, programs, extra-curricular activities and campus life.
2. Request applications, brochures, and financial aid information from colleges that interest you.
3. Finalize summer job plans and think about pursuing an activity during the summer that relates to a career interest.
4. Visit college campuses. An ideal way to get a great introduction to Minnesota’s private colleges and universities is to visit our campuses during Minnesota Private College Week.
5. Spend time exploring different majors. Minnesota’s private colleges and universities have a searchable database for majors and minors.
6. Keep a calendar of admission and financial aid deadlines. View private college and university application deadlines.
7. Register early for SAT and ACT tests.
8. Narrow your college list by the end of the summer and consider which schools you’d like to revisit for a more in depth look. Check out our campus visit tips for tips on what to do when you go back for closer inspection.
9. Read a couple of good, college-level books. Ask teachers for recommendations.
10. Have some fun. The college search is an important and exciting process, but it shouldn’t take over your life.

Minnesota Private College Week

Minnesota Private College Week is June 26-30. This free, week-long introduction to Minnesota’s private colleges and universities encourages students to explore their college options with campus tours and general information sessions offered twice daily at each campus. Students who collect four or more stamps in their "passport" can redeem it for four application fee waivers. The week provides a great chance to learn about higher education options. Help us spread the word! Encourage your students and their families to participate in Minnesota Private College Week | Register for MPCW | Order promotional postcards

Quicklinks

OUR COLLEGES
Our 17 colleges | Why choose us? | Majors & minors | Tuition and fees | Transferring | Resources for diverse students | Private College Week | Transfer Days

PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Affording a Minnesota Private College | Financial aid 101 | Grants | Scholarship aid | Our scholarships | Loans | FAFSA codes

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
Finding a fit | Campus visit tips | Helping your student prepare

Minnesota Private College Council, Fund and Research Foundation
Bremer Tower | 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 500 | St. Paul, MN 55101
651-228-9061 | colleges@mnprivatecolleges.org