Your student’s first year will be a whirlwind of activity and new experiences. To help them be as successful as possible, we recommend a few tasks for them to complete.

• Attending Welcome Week and Student Orientation events during the first few weeks of your student’s semester will help them meet people and get to know the offices and services available to them.
• Searching and applying for part-time jobs can allow your student to build experience and make connections. Students should check their financial aid award letter for work-study eligibility. If eligible, students should apply for on-campus jobs designated as work-study.
• Applying for scholarships to fund their sophomore year is something your student should start doing as soon as they open. Some major ESU scholarships have deadlines as early as mid-November, while others won’t open until after January.
• Summer after freshman year is a great time for your student to knock out an extra general education class, or get a summer job to help save money for the next year.

During their second year, your student will likely start getting into their major classes and be able to participate in more opportunities outside of class.

• Opportunities for leadership positions in their clubs and organizations will help your student gain experience and learn how to problem solve and work together with others.
• The FAFSA must be filled out every academic year. Your student should fill it out as soon as possible after the October 1 open date to be eligible for the most financial aid.
• Your student should check for scholarship application dates in the late fall. Some major ESU scholarships have deadlines as early as mid-November, while others won’t open until after January.
• In March, your student will be able to enroll for summer and fall courses. They’ll want to set an appointment with their advisor to get the best courses for their degree plan.
• Before the spring semester ends, your student should work with Career Services, their advisor or check Handshake to find internship opportunities. These positions will allow them to gain experience in their field, make connections and build their resume.

• Throughout the semester, make sure your student is taking advantage of high-impact learning opportunities available to them. They may have the chance to be involved in a campus initiative, a research project, an academic trip or more.
• The FAFSA must be filled out every academic year. Your student should fill it out as soon as possible after the October 1 open date to be eligible for the most financial aid.
• Your student should check for scholarship application dates in the late fall. Some major ESU scholarships have deadlines as early as mid-November, while others won’t open until after January.
• If your student is planning to go to graduate school, business school or other professional programs, students should begin researching programs and there may be exams for which they should plan and study.

• Depending on requirements and deadlines, taking the GRE, GMAT or other professional and graduate school exams may be on their schedule.
• If your student is attending graduate or professional school, they will be working on applications for admissions and scholarship applications to make sure they have everything they need to begin their next steps.  Faculty and Career Services can assist application reviews and practice interviews.
• Your student’s senior year may be jam-packed, or more relaxed as they finish up the final credits they need. They should be taking time to enjoy their final semesters, while gearing up for the job search or graduate/professional school.
• Connecting with Career Services and using Handshake to search for jobs is an important step for your student during this time. Career Services hosts a number of employer events such as career fairs and on-campus interviews throughout the year to assist students in securing rewarding careers after graduation.
• There will be many Senior Week activities planned that your student can participate in. These allow students to celebrate their achievements and enjoy their final days of college.
• They did it! Commencement is a time to celebrate all your student has accomplished and all the support they received from you along the way.