b'University of Pennsylvania 57Becoming a College StudentIn this section: Make Your Choice, p. 57On-Campus Support, p. 58Freshman Orientation, p. 59Purchase Your Textbooks, p. 59Manage Your Money, p. 60Becoming a College StudentCongratulations! You have made it through the college admissions process, and you are about to become a college student. Choosing your college and transitioning to college life represent a new level of independence and responsibility that can be both exciting and anxiety producing. This section will guide you through your final choice, your summer tasks, and freshman year experiences.Make the Right Fit Decision Make Your ChoiceUnderstand Your Letters of Acceptance To make the most informed decision when choosing the college you will attend, you need to truly Share your letters of acceptance with your collegeunderstand your academic, social, and financial fit.prep team, and note the following details of your acceptance: Revisit your responses to Your Fit Profile on p. 15 and the College Fit Form on pp. 24-25. Which of Were you extended an offer of acceptance orthe schools that has admitted you is your closest fit?were you accepted conditionally? If you wereaccepted conditionally, you will need to meet Financial fit must be a key factor. Can you affordspecific criteria to be fully accepted, such as to attend the college based on the financial aidsuccessfully completing summer coursework package offered? Use the College Cost Calculator called a bridge programprior to your on p. 48 to compare the financial aid packagesfreshman year. offered by the schools that accepted you. If youcannot afford to attend a school, then it is notWere you waitlisted? If you were waitlisted, you may the right fit.not receive a final decision until late spring or justbefore the fall semester begins. If you were waitlisted Time Your Decision Carefullyat your first-choice school, contact the admissions office and send new information that will supportYou have until May 1 to decide where to enroll;your application, such as final grades or news aboutdo not feel pressured to make an immediate decision. an honor you received. Talk to the admissions officeHowever, it is wise to be aware of any housingabout your chances of acceptance. Waitlists are options or other programs that may have deadlines unpredictable, so send a deposit to your next-choicebefore May 1.college to ensure you have a spot in the fall.'