You got that fat envelope in the mail. As you know, college applicants love fat envelopes. Fat envelopes mean they got accepted to the college they were applying to. While you were excited about filling out those admissions essay forms and planning ahead, don’t overlook one very important detail: college orientation.
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Always go to college orientation.
This is extremely important because college orientation maps out your college for you. It gives you the information you need so you can make informed decisions while going to college. Colleges and universities normally spend 1-2 days orienting incoming students and their families on what the students should expect in college. This is very different from a college tour. Sadly, many students and their parents spend more time on the college tour than on the college orientation. It’s a bad mistake. The orientation is much more important than the college tour because it fills you in on what your college offers. It shows you your options and helps you plan out your life in college. It’s that important.
Reasons why you should go to college orientation
The orientation program is not required, but it is highly recommended. The college orientation program helps students learn more about the college they will be attending, meet other new students, and get a feel for campus life. College orientations typically last two to three days, and during that time students will tour the campus, attend information sessions, and participate in activities designed to help them transition to college life. While the college orientation program is not required, it is an incredibly valuable experience for new students.
Get a clue regarding college life
Your life in high school and your life in college are totally different things. Most of the time, people are far away from home when they’re in college so that dynamic alone makes college a totally different experience from high school. College orientation quickly helps you zero in on the academic and student life of the college and gives you full awareness of what to expect.
Early registration
Some orientation programs allow you to register early. This is a key advantage of going to orientation. You get a head start from other freshmen who will stampede to the registration office for some popular classes. Don’t lose this advantage by not going to the orientation. Even if your orientation doesn’t give you a head start on registration, they would fully explain how the registration process works. This gives you an advantage because instead of learning about the process right when classes start, you have several weeks’ head start so that gives you ample time to plan ahead. That head start will help you plan out your school schedule, and that will really pay off in terms of your overall academic planning.
Placement exams
Some orientations allow you to take placement exams. This is a great advantage because instead of waiting for classes to start and then taking the placement exams, you can just take the placement exams in the orientation. This will save you a lot of time. This also gives you an idea as to which classes you want and would want. Moreover, it gives you a taste test of the requirements of a particular class. Some may not be to your liking so you can just ditch them come registration.
Research organizations
Colleges are fun because there are many campus organizations. Orientation is usually the time the college organizations come out in full force. So whether it’s fraternities, service organizations, special interest organizations, political organizations, and just a whole wide range of student organizations, orientation is the big day for you to get a full appreciation of the many different social organizations your campus offers. Also, since all the student organizations come out on that day, orientation brings a very festive atmosphere. In fact, many organizations hold parties so it’s a great time to spend some time with future friends at these organizations.
Meet future friends and classmates
If you go to orientation, you would see people that are in the same year as you. Sometimes, organizations are organized by colleges or a specific department. If you are in a specific department orientation, your orientation might be the first chance you’d get to meet people that will be in your same discipline. This might turn into lifetime friends so this is a great opportunity to meet and greet people and to network.
College Orientation FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about college orientations.
What is college orientation?
Orientation is a program that helps new students transition to college life. College orientations typically last two to three days, and during that time students will tour the campus, attend information sessions, and participate in activities designed to help them transition to college life.
What are the benefits of attending college orientation?
College orientations help students learn more about the college they will be attending, meet other new students, and get a feel for campus life.
Is college orientation required?
No, college orientations are not required. However, they is highly recommended.
When does college orientation take place?
Most colleges offer orientations at different times throughout the year. Typically, orientations are offered prior to the start of each semester.
How long does college orientation last?
College orientations typically last two to three days.
What should I expect during college orientation?
During college orientation, you can expect to tour the campus, attend information sessions, and participate in activities designed to help you transition to college life.
What if I can’t attend college orientation?
If you are unable to attend the orientation, you should contact your school’s admissions office to see if there are any other options available. Additionally, you can reach out to upperclassmen or campus organizations to get more information about the school.
Conclusion
Don’t miss orientation. For all the reasons listed above, it’s extremely important, not just for you but for your parents as well. Your parents are spending all that time, resources, and money sending you to school so it’s always a good idea to go to orientation with them so they’ll know what they’re paying for. Also, it helps you get ready for the fun times and challenges ahead in college.
The college orientations are not required, but they are highly recommended. The college orientation program helps students learn more about the college they will be attending, meet other new students, and get a feel for campus life. College orientations typically last two to three days, and during that time students will tour the campus, attend information sessions, and participate in activities designed to help them transition to college life. While the orientation program is not required, it is an incredibly valuable experience for new students.
If you have any questions about college orientation, reach out to your school’s admissions office or upperclassmen on campus. They will be able to give you more information about what to expect and how to make the most of your experience.
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