As parents, you probably remember vividly when your children said their first words or took their first steps. Suddenly, you blinked and now those children are applying to colleges. It’s time for that important decision—one that’s more important than the average person realizes. Which college or university will your child attend?
This decision is so important because the college your child chooses will dramatically shape his or her future. And the differences between colleges are significant. A lot of people base the
decision totally on cost. In principle, this is certainly not a bad idea, but cheaper doesn’t always mean better …and in most cases, it is not. Your children will get an education wherever they go, but is there any value added to that education? Does it prepare them for reality?
Many people are also leery of taking out a loan to help pay for college. I am certain that you would not want your children to have few or no job prospects after college. That’s why taking out a loan may be in their best interest. To buy a house someday, they will need to take out a mortgage. To qualify for a mortgage, they will need a job. To get the right job, the proper education (or, in our case, experiential education) is necessary. College is not only a financial commitment but an investment into the future — your children’s future.
Increasing Number of Applications
Over the past few years, the demand for an education at the University of New Haven has risen dramatically. By the end of the spring, we will have received about 10,000 applications for the fall semester. We have accepted only about 45% of those applicants so far. This number will continue to decrease as programs fill up with
accepted students.
So what now? If your son or daughter has definitely decided to attend UNH, then you must submit a non-refundable enrollment commitment fee. This fee is due no later than May 1st and is $200 for a commuter student and $400 for a resident student. In keeping with our theme of “students first,” UNH offers several options for incoming students. Students wishing to combine their classroom and residential life experiences can apply for one of our Living Learning Communities (LLCs). In these LLCs, students live in a section of one of our residence halls with other students in their area of academic study. For more information, visit www.newhaven.edu/livinglearning.
Summer Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR)
Finally, it comes time to attend orientation. We call it Summer Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR). All incoming freshmen must attend one of our six two-day SOAR programs. Information and registration is available online at www.newhaven.edu/soar. Transfer students must attend one of our Transfer Transition and Registration Days, but they are also welcome to attend one of the regular SOAR programs. Make sure that your deposit is paid before you register for a SOAR program.
It’s such a great time to be attending UNH! We continue to expand and improve our academic offerings, our facilities, and our student programming. It all adds up to a value that is unrivaled. We hope to welcome your child to the UNH family soon.
