Posted over 1 year ago
in
Junior Family (University Park)
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- Understand the tuition differential. As students’ progress into their third and fourth years of study, your student might see a higher tuition rate, known as the tuition differential. A student's tuition will increase as soon as the Penn State transcript reflects 59.1 total credits and will occur during the semester the credits are transferred (If your student brought in a lot of credits as a first-year student, they may have reached 59.1 during an earlier semester).
- Urge your student to schedule an appointment with their adviser. Junior year is a busy time for students at Penn State. Beginning upper-level classes and exploring internships and post-graduate options are all common occurrences during the junior year. Advisers can help students formulate a plan to ensure they’re on track to graduate and are achieving personal academic goals.
- Encourage your student to explore cocurricular opportunities. The educational opportunities outside of the classroom abound at Penn State. Leadership positions in student organizations, fraternities and sororities, Lion Scouts, THON, and more are fantastic ways for your student to get involved and add to their resume while they are at it. Give them the push to broaden their horizons and try something new.
- Recommend that your student start or continue making plans for their future. Junior year is a time for students to decide on which route they want to take post-graduation, whether that is graduate/professional school or industry. For those pursuing further schooling, students should find out what entrance exam is necessary for the program they desire and begin studying. Penn State’s Career Services offers multiple workshops including one of the largest collegiate career fairs in the country, interview prep, and career counseling. Career Services can also help your student find an internship or job that will provide them with relevant experience. Additionally, share your own experiences in beginning the graduate/professional school application process or job search to help students begin this transitional phase of their lives. Career Services has a website just for you.
- Support financial literacy skills. Penn State is committed to providing your students with the resources needed to make informed decisions about money management. Students can participate in workshops and online modules offered by the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center that cover everything from creating (and sticking to) a budget, paying student loans, to responsible credit card use.
- Think about your Penn State bucket list. Your student is heading into their home stretch and the last couple of years at Penn State will go quickly, enjoy them by visiting the State College area to enjoy the many wonderful outdoor activities, try a new restaurant, or attend Parents and Families Weekend.
