The summer melt is the Boogeyman of college-bound students and strikes fear into the hearts of college access professionals everywhere. You’d think that with all the tech tools and constant emails, we’d have it under control. But nope, the summer melt is still lurking, affecting about 40% of students who plan to go to college and disproportionately affecting low-income students and students of color the hardest.

So, what is causing all the chaos? It could be anything from missing information, incomplete paperwork, or just plain old procrastination. But don’t worry—I’ve got a plan to help you beat the summer melt and make sure you’re sitting in your first class this fall instead of being stuck at home wondering what went wrong.

Here’s your summer melt survival checklist to stay calm, cool, and On Track:

Check Your Email DAILY

Your chosen college might have a specific set of tasks to complete or opportunities you can take advantage of by a certain deadline. Not checking your email means you’ll miss out on a lot, so start every day by checking your email.

Secure Your Housing

Going away for school? Make sure you complete all housing forms and drop that deposit to secure your spot. Nothing melts away dreams faster than losing your home away from home because of a missed deadline.

Register for Classes

Make sure you get advised to know what classes to take and register to get your schedule locked in so you’re ready to roll.

Accept Your Financial Aid Awards ASAP

You can’t pay for school if you don’t have any money, so hit that “accept” button on your awards to secure your cash before it’s too late. (Have a conversation about what is provided with your family before you complete this step.)

Get Through Verification

If you’re selected for verification, don’t panic—it’s just the school wanting to double-check your FAFSA info. This process can drag on, so get your paperwork done and handed in like, yesterday!!! Waiting too long can delay your financial aid, and trust me, you don’t want that.

Take Your Placement Exams

No one wants to hear the word “exam” in the summer, but placement tests are a must. Schools use these to decide if you need any extra help or if you’re ready for college-level courses. If you put this off, you might get bumped to the next semester. So, make it a priority!

Submit All Paperwork

Immunization records, residency forms—you name it, they need it. These documents are standard but super important. Turn them in on time to avoid any last-minute enrollment issues.

Attend Orientation

Orientation is your chance to get familiar with campus life, meet your new friends, and learn the ropes. Plus, it’s usually required, so don’t skip it!

Settle Your Bill 

Discuss how you are going to pay your bill with your family and give up the cash by the deadline the school sets. Whether it’s a payment plan, loan, or the “bank of mom and dad,” make sure it’s all sorted out. No money, no classes—it’s that simple.

Download my app, On Track For College, to stay on track throughout your freshman year, It’s packed with weekly tips, resources, and everything you need to navigate your first semester of college like a pro. Feel free to download using this link https://mizzp.link/ontrackapp and share widely!

Ready to go off to college?
Check out my Amazon Storefront for my college must-haves: https://amzn.to/4bsooSM

Learn more about the author Mizz P. and her offerings here: www.mizzp.nyc

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Newsflash: The cost of education is rising! Are you ready to meet the cost???

Pay Less For College Strategy # 1: Apply for Scholarships and Grants 

There are plenty of options out there and none of them require repayment. Search for opportunities through your state, intended college, local community organizations, corporate entities, and national scholarship databases. 

For Scholarships

Tailor your applications to each scholarship’s criteria and apply to as many as possible.

Check databases like bold.org and JLV scholarships for scholarship opportunities and keep your eye on my scholarship + list throughout the year as well.

For Grants

Apply through FAFSA for access to federal funds and check your state to see if you qualify for state grants and funding. 

Not sure what your state offers? 

Check the Nasfaa State Program Finder to see what other types of aid are available to you.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 2: Choose a Community College to complete General Education Courses 

Starting at a community college can be significantly less expensive than starting at a four-year institution. Their costs are much cheaper which will make it easier on your pockets and can help you save thousands of dollars in the long run. Start at a community college to complete all general education requirements, then transfer to a four-year college or university to finish up.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 3: Take CLEP Exams

CLEP exams allow students to obtain college credits for wayyy less money. There are tons of exam topics to choose from (34 to be exact) and the exams cost $95 + $25 (administrative fees). Check out the requirements for your major before choosing which exams to take, then check the CLEP school policy search to see which schools accept these tests.

Pay Less For College Strategy # 4: Attend an In-State Public University

Public universities often offer lower tuition rates as an incentive to keep residents in-state. The cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition can be substantial compared to other college choices so consider choosing a public state school to lower your college-related costs.

***And remember kids, you do not have to break the bank on your college education. Be intentional and work your plan to make sure this investment brings you back a great return. STRATEGY OVER EVERYTHING FOLKS!

Looking for more ways to pay less for college?

Get my College Money Prep Toolkit for an in-depth explanation of college costs and how to make college more affordable. Hope to see you on the inside!

Learn more about the author Mizz P. here

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You are one step closer to getting out of high school and stepping into college! With such an exciting transition ahead, it’s important to stay focused so you can graduate on time and land in the college of your choice. Follow this High School Junior Checklist to get exactly where you want to go!

Reflect on your skills, talents, and interests to get an idea of what you might want to do future.

Not sure where your skills and interests lie? Take personal inventories like the true colors assessment by Hancock College or Hampton University and consider taking a career interest inventory like the one provided by Minnesota State to see what options are available to you.

Research careers that interest you and will utilize your skill set. Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about the path to get there and more.

Find colleges that will help you further develop your skills and lead you to your future career. Look through their majors and consider other factors such as location, size, and campus culture to build a good college list. Once you have seen all you need to see, take a look at their requirements to make sure you have the right GPA and test scores to get in.

Attend college fairs and take tours as often as you can. Both provide great insight and help you learn more about your options. Always go prepared with questions to ask and grab some information.

Meet with your school counselor to discuss your future plans: See if they have any valuable advice or resources to help you move your plan forward.

Keep your eye on your grades and maintain involvement. The last semester of your junior year is your last time to really get it right! When you start the application process in the fall of your senior year, colleges will make a judgment based on what you‘ve done between your freshman and junior year. Get in those last A’s and B’s and maintain or add activities to your list to finish up strong!

Start on important portfolio materials such as your resume, brag sheet, and college essay to save some time on applications during your senior year. The more you do now the easier senior year will be!

Look for scholarships and start doing your research about the different types of aid available. Want to know how much federal aid you qualify for? Check out the FAFSA Estimator and learn more about financial aid here.

Maximize your summer by finding ways to build your resume. This can look like pre-college courses, community service projects, a summer job, or building on a passion project. Whatever you do make it worth it!

And remember kids, the more you complete now the easier those college applications will be! You Got This and we got you!

Want to get a head start on your college plan and materials? Check out my On Track For College workbook to get all planned up! ​​https://amzn.to/4a2GQS7

Learn more about the author Mizz P. Here

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Step 1. Celebrate Big Time!

Before you do anything, throw a little party for yourself to celebrate your accomplishments. You’ve earned it! Share the joy with your family and friends because you my friend are going to college!

Step 2. Mind Your Money

Have a conversation with your family about your finances. How will you pay for college? What do you have saved up? And what do you need? 

Got your financial aid package? Great! Now, put on your detective hat and compare those offers. What school has the better deal? Who is giving the most free money (grants & scholarships)? Which school will give you the biggest return on investment?

Didn’t receive enough free money? See if you can negotiate for more. The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask!

Lastly, read all the fine print and make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Step 3. Decision Time

Choosing the right college is like choosing your next adventure. Make a list of your non-negotiables and check it twice. Think about what matters most to you—academic programs, activities, campus vibes, or maybe the distance from home. Ask lots of questions to admissions and current students and visit every contender to make the most informed decision you can.

Step 4. Secure Your Spot With A Deposit

Found your perfect match? Awesome! Now, it’s time to make it official with a deposit. Check to see the amount and see if you qualify for any waivers (so you could save yourself some cash). This step is super important to locking in your college experience.

Check to see when their decision deadline is to make sure you are in there like swimwear!

Step 5. Lock Down The Dorm

Planning to live on campus? Get a jump start on those housing forms and pay your deposit to secure your new home away from home. It’s also a great time to start dreaming up your dorm decor. Get your list of essentials ready to rock and roll.

Step 6. Dot Your i’s & Cross Your t’s 

Before you set off on this epic journey, check and double-check to make sure all your paperwork is complete. Check your emails, your new school’s portal, and snail mail for checklists with next steps. 

After you officially graduate, make sure to send your final transcripts and test scores in to properly enroll. It’s like the final boss before the game really begins.

Step 7. Attend Orientation: The Ultimate Icebreaker

Orientation is your sneak peek into college life. It’s where you’ll meet some of your future besties and learn the ropes. So, sign up and dive in!

Step  8. Pack Your Things: It’s Time To Go!

Start packing and get ready to leave! Spend time with your loved ones and take care of any loose ends. And maybe, just maybe, coordinate a meeting with your future roommate ahead of time.

Embarking on your college journey is like stepping into a whole new world—a world full of possibilities and adventures. Follow these steps, and you’ll be all set for an amazing college saga. Here’s to the beginning of something unforgettable!

Want to have a seamless college transition?

Download On Track For College to get reminders, tips, and motivation throughout the rest of your senior year and the first half of your freshman year in college

Learn more about the app here

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