Flickr user Illinois Springfield
If you’re heading to college this fall, you will most likely have an orientation coming up this summer. Your future school will tell you what to expect, such as what events are planned, what placement tests you need to take, and more. However, there are things you should not do at college orientation.
Do Not Underestimate the Importance of Placement Testing
During your orientation, you will most likely be asked to take placement testing. Some schools may even have you complete it beforehand. This may be for English, Math, or a foreign language. It depends on your completed high school classes and your college’s programs. Although they may sound silly or unnecessary, it’s important to take them seriously.
Your results on the placement testing will determine the courses you’re allowed to take for each subject during your freshman year. Success or failure can set the tone for the rest of the classes you take during your time at the college. If you do poorly on the math test because you simply do not care, you could be placed in a less advanced course than you should be. This could put you behind on general requirements or classes for your major.
Don’t Party It Up
If you’re having a weekend or overnight orientation, there may be a few students who decide to throw a party or hear of one just off campus. It’s highly recommended that you avoid these. There’s also a checklist of questions to not ask the orientation staff, such as the party scene during the school year as it may seem unprofessional. You’re here to learn about your college, meet your future classmates, and start work towards your degree.
On the other hand, your college orientation itself may actually throw parties and events during weekend orientations. If your interested, you should go! It’s a great place to meet new people, get hyped for college, and even earn some free stuff.
Don’t Sleep In or Shirk Responsibilities
Even if you attended those overnight parties thrown by your college, you shouldn’t sleep in the next morning. You don’t want to miss important events, like scheduling or placement testing. Show up on time for all mandatory programs, events, or tests the school has planned for incoming freshman. You don’t want to make it a habit of showing up late before you’ve even started classes.
Don’t Ignore Problems with Your Schedule
Some schools will have you create your college schedule during your orientation. This can be an exciting time and there may be a lot of courses you want to take. However, if you notice a problem with yours, such as an incorrect class or overlapping times, speak up! It’s important to get those issues straightened out now before they become bigger problems when it’s time for the semester to start.
These are only some of the things you should avoid doing at your upcoming college orientation. It’s important to remember that this could be your first real impression of the college and your future classmates! Be responsible and attend all of the mandatory events, but don’t forget to have fun too!
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