We returned yesterday from orientation.
I've got to say: this is absolutely, without a doubt, the right school for my son.
The only tiny little detail to worry about is how we're going to pay for it. But I have no doubts as to the school he's chosen.
We returned yesterday from orientation.
I've got to say: this is absolutely, without a doubt, the right school for my son.
The only tiny little detail to worry about is how we're going to pay for it. But I have no doubts as to the school he's chosen.
We have orientation at the end of July. It is really interesting to hear how other schools offer the program. Ours is two days with an overnight for the student, and one of the days is Family Orientation for us. My ds is going to school in NYC, so that other day is sightseeing for us
I have a colleague who's son just finished his orientation at a state school. Their big takeaway is that parents eat free on campus. Nice perk!
I'm hoping we learn more about renting or buying textbooks. Back in the Stone Age when I was in undergrad, we bought used textbooks and sold them back at the end of the semester, but I understand there is a new system available...
Maria
My kids, one graduated and one coming up on his senior year in college, would both recommend not buying or renting books until after the first day of class. It really becomes a scramble then, but it can save a lot of money in the end (from buying books that end up not being needed).
My kids, one graduated and one coming up on his senior year in college, would both recommend not buying or renting books until after the first day of class. It really becomes a scramble then, but it can save a lot of money in the end (from buying books that end up not being needed).
Wondering if we get a list of books from professors soon why should we wait? Do you think the list would be wrong?
Wondering if we get a list of books from professors soon why should we wait? Do you think the list would be wrong?
I'm curious about that too (since we haven't done this before). I'm pretty sure that I bought all my textbooks in advance but that was quite a while ago, LOL.
DD was given a First Day Requirements list where each teacher listed what needs to be brought to class on the first day. All the textbooks and a couple of the readers are included on that list. Since it says on that list that failure to bring all the supplies could affect their grade, I'm sure DD would not dare walk into the class without the things on the list (she would be horrified to be called out for not having something) That will probably lighten up after the first semester though.
OK, I have a question I should have asked months ago... just about the time my husband spent 11 days in the ICU.
Where do you start the process of finding college loans? At your local bank/credit union? Do I just go to the credit union on Tuesday, and apply for a Plus loan or student loan, or do I shop around?
I'm curious about that too (since we haven't done this before). I'm pretty sure that I bought all my textbooks in advance but that was quite a while ago, LOL.
DD was given a First Day Requirements list where each teacher listed what needs to be brought to class on the first day. All the textbooks and a couple of the readers are included on that list. Since it says on that list that failure to bring all the supplies could affect their grade, I'm sure DD would not dare walk into the class without the things on the list (she would be horrified to be called out for not having something) That will probably lighten up after the first semester though.
I just finished school myself, went back to become an RN. From that experience, yes, sometimes books are requested which are never used. Especially in the early courses. Multiple instructors can teach the same course and they don't all use the "materials" the same way. I was really frustrated when I bought books with an online access code (for double the cost of just the text) then never touched the e-materials. And a lot of the access codes include a digital copy of the text, so you could just buy the code without buying an actual textbook. That's just one example.
I recommended waiting to my daughter, but I think she'll end up buying ahead for the same reason. She'd be horrified if she was called out by a "strict" instructor who wanted them to have materials on the first day. I never had a professor do this, most of the first day was spent on expectations, syllabus, safety (in labs), etc. But, there could always be a first time.
And really, if they overpay for a semester or two, so be it. By sophomore year, they'll probably have met some upper classmen who can give them a heads up on what materials are truly needed from class to class, and they can save their money then.
I think if there was some sort of advance notice saying that coming to class without all materials would affect the grade, I'd have a hard time not just going ahead and getting the books ahead of time. But I doubt all of their classes are going to be that strict about it. Only buy or rent ahead of time if you must.
My friend spent a lot of money on the online code her daughter needed for class, only to have her show up the first day and have a free code written on the blackboard.
They'll have to feel their way through, but usually a day or two without books isn't the end of the world. Heck, some kids are still working out their schedules and miss the first day. But they need to be prepared to scramble at that point to get them ASAP.
I changed the title.
Looking at the date of the thread, I cannot believe this was started in 2012, the summer before our kids were about to start high school!!