My child was accepted into MSU! What’s next? Part 2
Print
EmailCongratulations! Your child’s acceptance is just the beginning. In this article, find answers to common questions about next steps, preparing for college life, and how to support your student through this exciting transition.
In Part 1 of this Michigan State University Extension article series about how to support youth as they prepare for college life, we met Florensio Hernandez, assistant director for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Undergraduate Office of Admissions at MSU. In this second part of the conversation, we focus on his expert advice about the university acceptance process. Hernandez answers key questions and provides practical tips to help families feel informed and supported during this important milestone.
Q: What are the first steps you would recommend to families once their child has been accepted to the university?
A: Take some time to narrow down your college choices, then submit the advance enrollment deposits to secure your student’s spot for the fall class.
Q: What steps are important for parents and caregivers to be more engaged and active or to monitor the process with their children?
A: College campus visits are essential for decision-making. Parents should take an active role in this process.
Q: Which steps are families forgetting? Or what common mistakes do families make after university acceptance and how can they be avoided?
A: The first step people tend to forget is setting up a campus visit or attending a program for admitted students. This is the best way to get a good sense of what the college experience is going to be like. The second step most families miss is submitting their advanced enrollment deposit (AED) to secure their spot in the fall class. This AED is refundable until May 1. Third, I would say most leave filing for federal aid for the last minute and often miss out on important scholarships and financial aid deadlines.
Q: From the perspective of the Office of Admissions, what are the essential documents and procedures that families must complete after acceptance?
A: For admitted students, they should submit their final high school transcripts, stamped with a graduation date. Once the student submits their AED for enrollment, they will receive other important information from Housing and Financial Aid. You can learn more in the After you apply section of our website.
Q: Questions about financial aid are constant. What do you recommend to parents?
A: Have your students look for scholarships outside of what the university offers. There are many national scholarships to apply for to help pay for college. I encourage all families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and learn about institutional merit-based scholarships your students might qualify for.
Q: Are there orientation programs or specific events to help students and their families become familiar with the university after acceptance?
A: Yes. At MSU, we offer a plethora of programs for students who have been admitted to the university. These programs usually begin in January and go through April of every year. Learn more in the Admitted first-year events page of our website.
Q: What resources and services does the university offer to support students and their families during this transition?
A: There are admissions counselors assigned to your child’s high school who are there to help answer questions. The Office of Admissions is a great resource and can help families navigate the college application process. We also offer campus programs and can meet with families in-person or virtually.
Q: Are there important deadlines that families should be aware of after acceptance?
A: Yes, for scholarships, students must apply by November 1 to receive full scholarship consideration. After being accepted, students should submit their deposit between 6-8 weeks to secure their seat in the fall first-year student cohort. Doing this ensures that the student will receive important information about housing and New Student Orientation (NSO), which happens in the summer for students to meet with their academic advisors to set their schedule of courses for the fall.
Q: If they have questions and need support and assistance in Spanish, who can they contact?
A: The best point of contact would be the Office of Admissions for any questions regarding the application process. I encourage students and families to reach out to their admissions office and ask if there is someone they can talk to that speaks Spanish. In my office, there are three admissions reps that are bilingual and can assist. But if there is no one, our teams will do their best to find a translator.
While my conversation with Hernandez is specific to MSU, it’s important to mention that the admission process is similar at many universities. MSU Extension recommends contacting the college’s admissions office directly and following each step carefully. If language is a barrier, ask for translation services or special accommodations to help make communication easier.
Remember, your involvement and encouragement make a big difference in your child’s journey to college. Take things one step at a time and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance or resources along the way. You’re not alone in this process—there are people and services ready to help you succeed.
MSU Extension creates opportunities and builds knowledgeable communities to make Michigan a strong, prosperous and great state to live in. At MSU Extension, we understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success. To learn more about engaging with Hispanic/Latinx and other underrepresented audiences, please contact Patricia Monterrosa, MSU Extension 4-H educator (Chispa 4-H).
