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Does
it seem like time is ticking? Well, it is... so
get cracking on these last-minute must-dos.
You May Be In, But You're Not Done!
by Lynda Kessler
May 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick --You may think
that you're finally done with high school, but
think again! There is still much to do as senior
year winds down and college life begins. You got
it -- the end is really just the beginning...
* Settle all debts!
If your name is on that outstanding library book
list, it's time to return 'em (or settle up!).
Also, make sure your overdue fundraising fees
are paid, too, or that your unsold goods are returned
(like that case of chocolate-bars-for-baseball-
uniforms now rotting in your locker).
* R.S.V.P. Last month
you were so worried about what school you wanted
to go to and whether or not you'd get in. Now
that you know and you've made your decision, how
about the five schools you won't be attending?
Send each a nice "no" letter, explaining
that although you've chosen another school, you
are thankful for their acceptance offer.
* Plan ahead! Before
you buy that summer pass to Six Flags, get your
college's academic calendar -- the semester may
start earlier than you think.
* Run Your Mouth!
That's right, says Connie Gores, vice-president
for enrollment at Randolph-Macon Woman's College,
Lynchburg, VA: "Talk, talk, talk." And
who with? Your parents, for one, especially about
their when-you'll-call-home, when-you'll-come-home
expectations. Gores also suggests hooking up with
your roomie before you even meet. "Correspond
with him or her electronically, in writing, or
on the phone. The better you get to know each
other now, the easier the transition later."
* Apply for a credit card
and open a bank account. We're not encouraging
credit catastrophe here, but it is wise
to have a credit card for emergencies and last-minute-but-necessary
spending. Just be careful! "If you have to
use credit, watch [out] for low introductory interest
rates," explains Sandy Baum, a professor
of economics at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs,
NY. "Don't get trapped by the fact that those
rates will rise in a few months." Another
suggestion? Look into pre-paid credit cards (e.g.
VISABuxx) and debit cards -- they won't allow
you to overspend. As for bank accounts, adds Baum,
"shop around for special student accounts."
Many schools have affiliations with local banks
that offer no-fee checking accounts and on-campus
ATMs.
* Keep in contact!
Just because you're leaving high school, that
doesn't mean you won't ever speak to your teachers
again. Remain friendly with at least one or two
of them so that you'll always have a reference
in case you need one for a summer job, or you
decide to transfer to another school mid-freshman
year. And you don't have to sound pushy -- simply
ask for their e-mail address and keep in touch!
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