How To College

How to College

Hello!

You'll have to answer lots of questions over the course of your upcoming senior year. Well, besides quizzes and tests and stuff.

We're talking about your future and decisions you have to make about college. We created this page for juniors (hey—that's you) to help prepare you for all those questions.

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

Yes I have.

Great! You will automatically be considered for most academic scholarships after you apply to Nebraska.

No I haven't.

While you do not need to submit an ACT/SAT score to be considered for admission, we encourage you to submit an ACT/SAT score. We will give you the best possible award based on what you submit and will automatically be considered for most academic scholarships after you apply to Nebraska.

When considering applications, the university doesn't count the writing portion of the ACT. We only count the critical reading and math sections of the SAT.

Universities will often only accept official scores sent directly from the testing institution. Each university has a code that you give the testing institutions to tell them where to send the scores. Nebraska's codes are: ACT – 2482; SAT – 6877.

To see specific required scores and other application requirements, visit go.unl.edu/requirements.

Do You Know What You Want to Study?

Yeah, I think so.

Nice! Now, immerse yourself in related classes and activities. Not only will this give you a head start, it will give you the time to figure out if it's really what you want to do.

Not yet.

It's alright if you don't know. Use your senior year to explore and take classes that interest you. You may just find your passion.

It's OK to change your mind. There are lots of students who change majors multiple times before graduation. Our Explore Center can even help you find a major that's right for you. Learn more at explorecenter.unl.edu.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers 150 majors spread across nine colleges. Pretty much anything you want to study is offered here at the highest level.

Doing research as an undergrad is a great way to make waves in your field before graduation. We have an award-winning undergraduate research program, called UCARE, which gives students the opportunity to work with professors and perform ground-breaking research.

Honors programs are a great way to take your studies to the next level. Besides the overall University of Nebraska–Lincoln Honors Program, we have the College of Business Honors Academy and the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. If you want to learn more about our honors programs, visit admissions.unl.edu/honors.

Are you applying for Scholarships

Yes. All of them.

Keep applying for as many as you can, even the small ones. They'll add up fast.

I haven't given it much thought. Should I?

Scholarships are basically free money to put towards your education. Most have specific requirements, but you'd be surprised by how many you qualify for.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers tons of scholarships for first-year college students. You're automatically considered for many of them when you submit your application. Eligibility for these scholarships is based on your financial need and academic record.

For leadership and diversity scholarships, you will have to submit a 350-word scholarship statement with your application or through the student portal, MyRed. Your scholarship statement should include leadership experiences, challenges you've overcome, and your community service. To qualify for these scholarships, submit your application and scholarship statement by January 15.

Out-of-state students can calculate which scholarships they may be eligible for on our website. Visit admissions.unl.edu/estimate.

You can also get a job on campus or participate in a work-study program. There are lots of ways to pay for college. You just have to keep your eyes open.

Do You Know Which School You Want To Go To?

I'm pretty sure I do.

It's a big decision and you don't want to rush into it. Even if you think you know where you want to go, be sure to pay other schools a visit. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Don't know yet.

Visiting campuses is a good way to figure out. Each university has a unique campus culture and going for a visit is the best way to experience it firsthand.

Visit as many schools as you can and go by yourself (or with your parents), instead of with a bunch of friends, so you can make your own decisions.

If you haven't already, you should come to Lincoln for a visit. Lincoln has a lot more things going on than most realize. It's also the best way to see what college life is like here.

You can come by for a Husker Weekday visit, which occur every weekday at 9 a.m. It includes a full tour of campus, an academic appointment with your area of interest, and an optional on-campus lunch. All you have to do is reserve your spot beforehand.

To see visit options, including Red Letter Days, group visits, and a couple open houses, visit admissions.unl.edu/visit.

Are You Nervous About Making New Friends?

Yeah. A little.

College is the one time in life where it's easiest to make new friends. All you have to do is get involved with a club, check out the Greek life, or just say hey to your neighbors.

No way! I love making new friends.

Awesome, you'll make some of the best friends of your life in college.

A university's campus culture is a good way to gauge how easy it will be to make friends. How heavily involved the student body is and the amount of on-campus activities and events are good determining factors of a fun campus atmosphere.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln takes a lot of pride in its campus culture. We have over 500 student organizations to get involved with, a thriving Greek life, recently renovated rec facilities, competitive intramural leagues, and concerts and events throughout the year.

Here are some cool things that happened this year: Dustin Lynch played at our Homecoming Concert. The Strivers Row poets came by for a visit. Dr. Jim Wand hypnotized a few students.

To check out more about Nebraska student involvement, visit involved.unl.edu

Will You Be Ok On Your Own?

Of course!

If you do end up running into any problems, don't be afraid to reach out. There are a lot of people whose job it is to help you.

I'll manage, somehow.

Don't worry too much. University housing systems are set up specifically to help you with the transition of living on your own.

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you'll have the choice between thirteen traditional residence halls and three suite-style residence halls. There are five dining halls, four C-Stores, and four Grab ‘N Go shops. Also, laundry services are available in each hall, so everything you'll need will be right there, steps from your dorm room.

You can always go to your resident assistant if you need any help. They are there to help you with any problems you may come up against in the residence halls. To learn more about the housing options at the university, visit housing.unl.edu.

The University Health Center has everything from flu shots, to dentistry, to counseling, to a full pharmacy. The best part is that it's located right in the heart of campus. See all the services the health center offers at health.unl.edu.

Our First Year Experience and Transition Programs are specifically designed to help you with the transition to college life. You'll have access to academic success coaches, success workshops, and everything you need to get a handle on your courses and get good grades. Learn more at success.unl.edu

Are You Going To Miss Home?

So much.

It's ok. It's a part of the experience of college to strike out on your own. Be sure to savor that home cooking and cuddle your pets while you have the time.

No, I'm ready to go!

Awesome! Campus will quickly become your new, dare we say, awesome-er home.

Campus will be your new home for a few years, so make sure you go somewhere that suits you well. Take time to check out the feel of each university you're interested in and make sure it's a good fit.

We know we've been trying to sell you on Nebraska this whole time, but seriously, Lincoln has so many things going on. It's got world-class entertainment just blocks away from campus at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, a killer local music scene, the biggest sporting events in Nebraska, and a campus life that's second-to-none.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, there are support systems in place to help you out. The First-Year Experience & Transition Programs offers tutoring and study help and the University Health Center's Counseling and Psychological Services is always ready to lend an ear. Remember, you're not alone and there are always people willing to help. Learn more about being successful at success.unl.edu.

Are You Ready?

This one you'll have to answer for yourself.

This whole college thing may seem like a complicated process. In reality, if you break it down and take care of one thing at a time, you'll be fine. Part of the reason we created this book was to give you the tools to take care of these questions so you can do what matters most your senior year:

  • Spend time with your family.
  • Hang out with your friends.
  • Find your passion.

College has the potential to be the most fun, exciting and eye-opening time of your life. You'll never again have the chance to be exposed to so many different people, opinions and experiences on a daily basis.

Keep an open mind and you never know what will happen.

If you ever need help, don't be afraid to reach out to your school counselors.

We're always here if you need us. Feel free to contact us at 402.472.2023 or admissions.unl.edu

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