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College Decision Time for High School Seniors

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Crossroads

So high school seniors, you now have less than 30 days before you must make a final decision on where to attend college next fall. You should know by now which schools you have been accepted to and what is being offered in terms of financial aid. If for some reason you have not received this information from a specific college, you should contact their admissions or financial aid office right away.

If you are stressing about not making a final choice on where to go, here are three essential questions that I believe if answered properly will help make your decision less difficult:

1) Which schools are the best fit for YOU? Forget about where your friends are going and what they say about the schools you are considering. You need to determine where you will have the best chance of success and where you will best grow and develop as a person. Which schools offer the program(s) that you are most interested in and also offer the most internships in that field? Which schools offer the campus population, location, activities and class sizes that best suit you? If at all possible, I strongly suggest you revisit the top 2 or 3 schools you are considering and perhaps not during the staged “Student Acceptance Days”. Even if you attend during these events, walk the campus on your own and talk to students about their school. Most will be very honest about their experience.

2) Which schools are truly affordable for YOU? This factor will be different for every student based on the net price of each school and the resources of each family. Although deciding on a college is emotional, you must look at cost objectively as it can have a significant impact on you and your family for many years. Attempt to calculate the loans that will be needed for all four (hopefully) years and what that will translate to in terms of repayment after graduation. You should consider the average starting salary of employees in your chosen profession in relation to the approximate loan payment(s) that will kick in very quickly after graduation. Also, if parents are borrowing on your behalf, be sure there is a clear understanding of who will own this debt after graduation.

3) Which schools demonstrate the best numbers to YOU? There are a few key numbers to consider as you make your final decision. Take a look at a school’s graduation rates, especially the four year rate. The average four year graduation rate is about 37% with the more selective schools being at about 60-80%. Also, take a look at a school’s freshman retention rate. Although there are many contributing factors, this will give you a sense as to how satisfied students are at a college. A school that has a retention rate of 80% or above is good but take a closer look at any with a rate of 75% or below. Lastly, review the numbers from a school’s career placement office. What percentage of students who graduated with your intended major have jobs in their field or have been admitted to grad schools? If you can’t find these numbers, call the school and ask for them.

It has been my experience from working with students in this process that if you establish a checklist with the information you obtain from answering the above questions, you will more easily come to a conclusion as to which school to attend. Seniors, I wish all of you the very best as you make this significant decision for the next stage of your life.

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A Lot of Pain for Often So Little Financial Aid Gain

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Crossroads

In the dead of winter during some of the shortest days of the year, parents of high school seniors and current college students have to endure the drudgery of completing financial aid forms. If you think a body scan or a pat down check at an airport makes you feel violated, the federal government with their FAFSA and the many private schools with their CSS PROFILE, will scrutinize you in an impersonal manner even more. For the many hours you will put into revealing your personal finances, chances are for most families, you will be told there is no significant assistance coming your way to help pay those whopping college bills.

Here’s an overview on each form. The FAFSA is the federal form which will determine eligibility for any federal grants (free money) and subsidized interest on certain federal loans. The result of completing it yields an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) which is the amount the government feels you “should” be able to pay that year towards your son or daughter’s education. Most parents laugh at the dollar amount stated in the EFC until they cry. The FAFSA is also the form parents must complete to be eligible to apply for any type of Federal Loan including Direct Stafford Loans (which can be subsidized and unsubsidized based on income level) as well as Direct PLUS Loans. The Stafford Loans, which are in the student’s name only, have annual dollar limits of $5500-$7500 based on the student’s year of college. Direct Plus Loans are intended for parents and the amounts are more flexible. Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance at a college minus any other financial aid that has been given. Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans are currently at a fixed rate of 6.8% (subsidized 3.4%) while Direct Plus Loans are presently at 7.9%.

The PROFILE is a form developed by the College Scholarship Service and used primarily by several hundred private colleges. It digs deeper into your finances inquiring about such items as home equity, non-custodial parent finances and business value. They even charge you to register to complete it and then charge you again every time you send the results to a college. As if that’s not bad enough, in most cases the results indicate that parents should be able to contribute more to their child’s education than even the FAFSA indicated. Isn’t being part of the middle class such a joy?

Okay this process is painful but here are a few overall suggestions in this area of financial aid. First, fill out the forms as early as possible after Jan 1 (read now). If your tax return is not completed, then just estimate as best you can to get them submitted. You can always notify of changes later. Grant money from individual colleges can also dry up so in some cases it is “first come first serve”. Second, if borrowing is needed, always take the Direct Stafford Loans first over anything else. These loans are for students, not requiring a co-signor and taking them over private loans makes students eligible for the recently introduced “income based repayment plans” after they hopefully graduate. Lastly, consider home equity loans or lines of credit (assuming you have some equity in your home). With interest rates at their lowest in decades, these loans with their tax advantages may be a better option than PLUS or private loans.

Being financially probed and scanned through the completion of these forms for often very little benefit is not enjoyable, but potentially missing out on assistance you may be eligible for would be a tragedy. So similarly to going through airport security, just let them check you out while trying to keep your mind on your destination.

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Not a Good Standardized Test Taker? There is an Option

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Crossroads

For whatever the reason, there are many students who just don’t do well when taking standardized tests. I don’t know if it’s a left/right side brain, learning style, nature versus nurture or “under the gun” pressure cooker issue but they just don’t achieve those higher scores that correlate with their very good high school subject grades.

The SAT and ACT have long been a key factor in the college process not only for admission to a school but also for the treasured merit scholarships. However in recent years, many colleges have changed their policy on these standardized tests now saying you have the option of submitting your scores. Most claim the reason for the change is research studies that indicate standardized test results are not a true indicator of performance at the college level. Skeptics claim that they have revised their policy for self serving reasons related more to improving their admissions data to appear to be a more selective school and to move higher in college rankings.

For students who struggle with scoring high on these exams, it isn’t important to understand a college’s motive for being test optional but only to determine how to use it to your advantage. Unfortunately if you’re looking to get into a large research university such as Boston University or the University of Maryland, you will likely not find a test optional policy as these schools emphasize test scores and use them to screen the thousands of applications they receive. Smaller colleges, including some very selective ones such as Bowdoin and Connecticut, have gone test optional. There are even a few excellent technical schools such as WPI that have taken this route.

If you are a high school student with very good grades but not so good test scores, take a good look at schools with a test optional policy. You can find the list at http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional. Each school’s policy can be somewhat different so be sure to go on their website and read it carefully. With a few schools, you may need to supply an alternative to test results such as a graded paper or project. Also, be sure to ask each test optional school you are considering about how not submitting test scores impacts your eligibility for merit scholarships. With most of these schools it won’t be an issue but I have heard of a few that do use test scores as part of their merit scholarship criteria in spite of their test optional policy for admission.

The bottom line is do the very best you can to improve your test scores to increase your admission chances while knowing that there is a decent size net to catch you in the form of test optional schools if you happen to fall.

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Separation Anxiety for College Freshman (and their Parents)

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Crossroads

As thousands of teenage freshman head off to live on college campuses this fall, the world will change significantly for them and their parents. For students, gone are their comfortable beds, many in a room with complete privacy. Gone are their home cooked meals, made just the way they like them. Gone is that special couch or chair they slumped into to watch their favorite show on television. Gone is the structure of their day supervised to varying degrees by their on site nurturing parents who believe they must be in some semblance of control at least until this point of their child’s life. The migration of the freshman college student every autumn (at least those who are not commuting) is one of the most traumatic life events for the human species. Although most of these teens have been claiming they are excited and can’t wait to get away, most become very apprehensive as the day approaches knowing their comfort zone is about to be invaded by alien forces.

While the transition to campus life is a major adjustment for teenagers, what about their parents? This is a very anxious time for moms and dads too as they are releasing their child to the custody of someone else, never mind an institution they don’t know very well. Perhaps for the first time, they won’t know what time their child gets in at night, what they are eating on a regular basis, who they are hanging out with or even whether their clothes are clean. When my wife and I dropped off our oldest to her campus for the first time, I believe we were the last parents to leave that night. We had to be sure everything in her dorm room was set up just right and all her favorite food items were there for her. It was a very difficult ride home for us and I don’t recall my wife’s tears letting up until she fell asleep that night.

So what advice do I have for both students and parents during this time of transition? Every teen is different and those who are self assured, outgoing and have experienced being away from home quite a bit already in their life will probably have minimal adjustments. But there will be many others who are perhaps more insecure and will have difficulty with the many changes and/or making new friends. The best thing students can do is get involved right away in anything on campus. I would encourage them to join an intramural sports team or a club that they have some interest in. Sign up for a community service opportunity. Anything that will bring them into contact with other students on campus is a positive first step as they will slowly gravitate toward other students who have similar interests and friendships will definitely evolve. If home is nearby, they should resist the temptation to head there frequently on weekends unless it is necessary to work a job. As for dorm life itself, it won’t be like home for sure as they will need to make adjustments to their life style as they will be living in such close quarters with others. They will need to develop some tolerance and patience for others as not everyone will do things the way that they think they should be done. They should try to talk through issues with roommates and if necessary get their resident advisor involved to help resolve problems.

For parents who are experiencing the anxiety of having a child away at school for the first time, unfortunately only time will ease your mind. You’ll begin to develop some assurance over the next few weeks and months that your child is going to be just fine. I know parents will want to hear from their son or daughter that all is well but resist the temptation to initiate frequent calls or texts as students will need to focus on assimilating to their new environment and of course their academics. They will contact you if there’s something you need to know about. If they indicate they are struggling to fit in, suggest activity engagement as I mentioned above. Send a bunch of their favorite snacks to them as college students love to receive packages from home and these can be very comforting. If there are problems at school, encourage them to first seek resolution on their own with your involvement only being a last resort.

A child heading off to college for the first time can be an emotionally draining event but perhaps with a little guidance and encouragement in the beginning, it will lead to one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime.

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Campus Interview Success is All in the Prep

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Crossroads

Although most colleges of more than 5,000 students place less emphasis on a campus interview, it can still be a make or break factor in an admission decision. In most cases, even if the interview is optional, I recommend a student take it. If the essay is your opportunity to reveal some aspect of who you really are in writing, then the interview is your chance to have an admissions representative actually see you in the flesh and for you to make a positive impression on them.

The key to a successful interview outcome is to simply be prepared. How do you do this? First, you start by dressing appropriately. The preference would be for “business casual” with no jeans but if it’s a hot day and you’re touring, at least wear appropriate summer attire. Remember, you want to stick out from the crowd in any way possible but certainly not with a negative first impression with your attire. Other key prep items include a thorough review of the school’s website, and arriving early with a professionally looking resume containing all of your key profile information including GPA, class rank, test scores, etc.

In addition, think about and be prepared to answer questions you may be asked. These could include:

• What are your favorite and least favorite subjects?
• Are your grades an accurate reflection of your academic potential?
• What books have you read lately and how did you like them?
• What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
• What activities have meant the most to you and which ones do you plan to participate in at college?
• Why are you considering applying here?
• Have you definitely determined your major and what led you to this decision?

Finally, be prepared to ask questions that will reflect that you are seriously considering the school you are interviewing with. Don’t ask anything that you could find on their website or in their brochures. Here are a few suggestions:

• Can you tell me a little more about your study abroad or internship programs?
• How is the advising system set up for freshman and who does the advising?
• What kind of freshman orientation is offered?

The bottom line is to create an impression of a student who is seriously interested in their school and who demonstrated it by the time they took to prepare for their interview. It could make a difference in the decision to admit you and may also influence a borderline scholarship decision. I strongly believe the investment of your efforts in preparation will be time well spent.

Jack Gannon

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The “Four Letter Words” of College Financing

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Crossroads

College admissions reps avoid using them. Parents cringe at their sound. High school and college students don’t usually understand the true ramifications and reality of them. What are they? They are the dirty four letter words of college financing: COST, LOAN, and DEBT.

The COST of college has long been spiraling out of control for families trying to assist their children in obtaining at least a bachelors degree. Far exceeding the rate of inflation over the past 25 years or so, tuition and associated college expenses have become, in most cases, the second largest purchase incurred by a family. For those with multiple children, the total COST of college can easily exceed the purchase price of their home.

Since saving as a means to pay for college has become an almost impossibility and “working your way through college” went out in the 70′s, families must pursue the dreaded college LOAN. As multiple borrowings over several years are most often needed, the sum of all of these until graduation (hopefully) creates a nasty thing referred to as total college DEBT. But borrowing for college is a wise investment, right? …Yes, almost all of the math for potential career earnings would agree but there are many factors to consider when making decisions to increase the total DEBT. Here are a few that should be considered:

1) Who is going to pay back which LOAN? This needs to be very clear in family discussions. I’ve seen many situations where the students assumed the parents were going to pay it back whereas although they agreed to co-sign, the parents intended the complete opposite.

2) If the student is going to be responsible for repaying, is their planned major leading to an occupation that will provide them the salary to make the payments and still be able to pay for basic living essentials? Twenty-Five percent of students who borrowed for college are behind on their LOAN payments right now. Yes there are some new “income-based” loan repayment programs available now that could help lessen the blow but it will still require prudent money management especially in lower paying occupations such as social work or teaching.

3) Is extensive borrowing planned to attend a higher COST private college or university when a public institution would have led to much smaller overall DEBT? Is the return on the private school investment going to be worth the additional LOAN amounts? For a fairly short list of private schools the answer could be yes, but for the vast majority I doubt it very much.

So setting aside what parents may borrow and intend to pay back themselves, how much DEBT is just too much for an undergraduate degree? Current projections would indicate that the class of 2012 will graduate with an average DEBT of about $28,500. Total amounts are higher in the northeast and midwest while lower in the west where more students attend lower COST public universities. In my opinion, any projected total DEBT that is around 50K or higher really needs to be thought through for reasonableness and a review of potential alternatives even if it means considering community college for two years. I would also suggest that all “federal” LOAN options such as the Stafford and Plus Programs be exercised before looking at private options as there will likely be more opportunity for income-based repayments and LOAN consolidation after graduation with federal borrowing.

These four letter words, especially as they pertain to college financing, are becoming “dirtier” by the year. But if parents and students take the time to carefully consider all factors before making critical financing decisions, these words may become only mildly offensive.

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Strengthening Your College Application Over the Summer

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Crossroads

It’s no secret that colleges look favorably upon students who are “well rounded,” that is, students who receive A’s and B’s in the most challenging courses their high schools have to offer and who are extensively involved in extra-curricular activities offered at the high school as well as active in their community. Part time employment and internships are also regarded favorably by colleges. This process needs to begin freshman year and continue throughout all four years of high school. However, many jobs require their part time employees to be at least sixteen years of age. Whether sixteen or not, here are some suggestions for all students to consider during the summer not only to enhance their college applications, but also for their own personal development:

• Enroll in an enrichment course offered either at the high school or college level. This would be especially important for anyone who is not enrolled in their high school’s most challenging courses, such as advanced placement. If for example, you have been taking college prep courses, consider taking an honors course over the summer. Some colleges allow high school students to take college courses over the summer. This will show colleges you later apply to your willingness and ability to take challenging courses. Before enrolling in any course, check with your high school guidance counselor, to see how your schedule for the next school year will be impacted.

Maybe you would like to learn in a different environment. If so you may want to:
• Enroll in a course(s) at a museum or outdoors to learn about science, conservation, and living things. Science and art museums as well as the National Audubon Society, wildlife and gardening sanctuaries offer opportunities to learn and volunteer to protect and conserve the environment and all living things.

• Enroll in a sports, performing arts or visual arts summer program. This can help improve your skills in these areas, thereby increasing your likelihood of college acceptance, particularly if these are areas you may participate in while at college.

• Enroll in leadership training programs. Colleges like to have leaders enroll in their institution. Becoming a leader is a way for you to stand out from the crowd. Leadership programs can also help you learn how to make a difference in your high school. One leadership training program offered over the summer is the Student Leadership Training Program or STLP. http://www.sltp.info/index.html. which is held at Nichols College in Dudley, MA. Another possibility is to apply to the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council www.mass.gov/governor/youthcouncil. which advises the state government on issues pertaining to adolescents and young adults. These are just two of many programs and other possibilities exist through organizations such as 4-H Clubs, Scouting, etc.

• Participate in community service activities. These can be through your town, state, or religious institution. The summer months are when many charities sponsor walks as fund raisers for their organizations to battle hunger, cancer, mental illness, and many other worthwhile causes. You can also check with your town or chamber of commerce for activities that are looking for volunteers for the events they sponsor.

• Volunteer to help underprivileged families. Organizations like Habitat For Humanity work together with communities to build homes for homeless people in various parts of the country and the world. UNICEF and The Red Cross help families around the world, who lack food, housing, clothing, schooling, and medical care. Organizing and/or participating in various fundraisers such as car washes show your concern for others and demonstrate your desire to make a difference.

• Check with your parents, family members and neighbors for opportunities to “shadow” in their places of employment. Sometimes by shadowing or watching someone in their place of employment, you can get a better idea of what it would be like to work in that career and/or place of employment.

• Check with your parents, family members, neighbors, for opportunities to mow lawns, babysit, or do other odd jobs around the house. These are opportunities that may be available to younger high school students.

• Traveling this summer? Be certain to write about what you learned from your travels. It can be about the people you meet, their history and culture, the sites you saw. It could be the basis for your college essay.

• Do you know how to use all the applications on a SMART phone or computer? There are adults who, after purchasing televisions, computers, SMART phones, or other gadgets involving high technology, do not know how to operate many of the functions these devices have to offer. Perhaps you can start a business to assist them.

• Do you get good grades in school? Become a tutor. Perhaps you can tutor other students your age or younger ones who struggle in some school subjects and who could benefit from your assistance. Check with your school or ask people you know how to look into this.

These are only a few on an endless list of possible activities that exist for you to pursue. Whether you choose to participate in these or similar ones, activities such as these will enable you to learn more about the world around you and make you a more “well rounded” person. This is exactly what colleges are looking for.

As a relatively new member of the Crossroads Team located in Framingham, MA, I would love to use my vast college counseling background to assist students and parents with any aspect of the college admissions process.

Margie Linehan

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Transitioning Students with Disabilities into College

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Crossroads

Did you know that most students look forward to “reinventing” themselves when they go to college? Even the student that had a successful high school career looks forward to exploring new possibilities as they move away from home and the comfort of their high school community. For other students, it is the opportunity to finally separate from an ongoing perception that their peer group has had of them or that they have had of themselves. For students with disabilities, this becomes a more important objective. Research shows that only 30% of all students with disabilities will be successful in their freshman year of college and will continue on to their sophomore year. What are the success factors? There are several including strong support from the disabilities services department of their high school and equally strong support from their family. Also critical is the ability of students to accept their limitations and be able to articulate these limitations, their needs in an academic setting, as well as the successes they have enjoyed as a unique person.

The college counselor plays a strong role in this relationship. Quite often the student did not receive effective support during their high school years. All is not lost. Colleges with strong disability services offices can be very supportive and help the student achieve the success they are seeking. The college counselor helps the student identify their needs and the script to articulate these needs to others. Parents, who have spent many years advocating for their child suddenly find themselves outside of the picture. FERPA (Family Education Rights & Privacy Act) prevails and their student has decided not to give Dad and Mom permission to make decisions or be a part of the process. A college counselor can assist parents through the transition and suggest ways parents can remain supportive and respectful of their child’s leap to adulthood.

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The “IT” Factor

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Crossroads

Quinnipiac University just built brand new dorms, but Brandeis University has a really strong program for my major. And then there’s UVM, whose basketball team reached the NCAA tournament this year – I mean, that’s exciting!

Which would you choose?

There are so many factors to consider when comparing colleges. So many, in fact, that it can get downright exhausting comparing the pros and cons of each and every school to which you applied. But before you get lost in the details and comparisons, consider…

The “IT” factor. It’s hard to describe.

“IT.”

Such a small word, but it packs a big punch.

The “IT” factor is a feeling in your gut. It’s when you walk onto a college campus and you can see yourself there. You can imagine living in the dorms and eating at the dining hall. You can envision sitting in that lecture class you just observed and walking with that group of students to the baseball field. You can see yourself studying in the shade of that tree over there, by the library.

As you check the mail each day for those admission decision letters, no doubt you are weighing lots of different aspects of one college against another. By May 1st, you will have to make a decision about where to spend the next few years of your life. No small feat.

So, as colleges spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to entice you choose them – the new science building, the gorgeous pictures in the catalogue, the new major – pay attention. All of that stuff matters. It really does.

But so does that gut feeling.

As the weather gets warmer, and as April break approaches, take a road trip. Get on the campuses of those colleges to which you were accepted and see how it feels. Being on the campus is the best indicator of whether or not that school has your “IT” factor.

Try your hardest to get there! You don’t want to miss “IT”!

Take a tour, ask questions and catch a lacrosse game. But also take half an hour to walk around on your own to see if it’s there. The “IT” factor. It will be there at one of your accepted schools at minimum, I promise. It could be sitting just under that next tree, the one over there by the library.

Barbara Beebe

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Had I Known Then What I Know Now

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Crossroads

As I approached my junior year in high school, I was both excited and nervous about the college search/admissions process and my preparation for the first year in college. Although I had much support from my parents, sisters and friends at the time, I soon realized that it was ultimately up to me to figure out which path to take in terms of college and career choices. I was embarking upon the most difficult decision in my life so far! In terms of self-reflection, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that involved helping people. What I didn’t know is that field was quite broad and unspecific! In other words, my knowledge of career fields was very limited at the time. In retrospect, having an independent counselor would have been a lifesaver for me. In addition, I had yet to find out how many different colleges were even out there and which would truly be a good fit for me, taking into consideration size, culture, location and program offerings. Sure, I had knowledge of the colleges that my older siblings attended or that some friends were already situated in, but what about a college that would be right for me? Of course, you don’t know anything for sure until you get there, as with all major life decisions; but we can certainly prepare and educate ourselves enough so that we are choosing a college that may not be right for a friend or relative, but would be right for me. As a result of my own trials and tribulations through the college journey, my passion lies with being both an advocate and a guide for a prospective college student. I am always excited to be a part of someone else’s important journey!

Also, in the spirit of proactive education and preparation, I thought that I might share some universal tips for students entering their freshman year in college:
Academics: TIME MANAGEMENT is the key. It was necessary in high school, but it is even more crucial in college. You will no longer have a schedule that is set by the school. You will create your own schedule, with some time before and after classes. You may feel like you have all the time in the world and that is when you may be in danger of procrastinating. Keep up with all of your readings, spending at least 2 hours a night on homework. I cannot stress the importance of keeping up with the work daily, because in college, the work will accumulate at a much faster pace than high school. There will be more papers and more reading – be prepared! Some academic strategies would be to buy a planner, invest in a laptop, visit the academic resources center for extra help if needed, find a class “buddy” and meet with professors for clarifications before getting lost. Find a quiet place to study and use that continuously. If you study in groups, be sure it is productive. Know your syllabus and all of the due dates.
Finances: Save enough $$$ in the summer to cover books, supplies, dorm stuff, entertainment, food and any emergencies. Do not fall into the credit card trap. There will be much temptation to get a credit card; there will be credit card companies on campus to try to get you to sign up. These companies want you to get into debt; that is how they make more $$$. Have the cash, so you won’t need the credit cards! Make a budget over the summer or ask someone who is good with budgets to help you. If you can, get a part-time job to supplement your savings.
Social/Roommate Life: First and foremost, attend every orientation that the college offers. Colleges usually will have an orientation in the late summer. At orientation, you will have a great opportunity to get to know your classmates, meet new friends and get the “lay of the land”. Take advantage of this opportunity – it will be both fun and informative.
Parties: The reality is that most colleges have underage drinking; be extremely careful with drinking and the danger of binge drinking. If you attend parties, you will definitely be a witness to this. Keep it at that or don’t attend these parties altogether… ok, I know, enough with the lecture. Just be careful at all times.
Clubs and Sports: It is highly recommended to join a club or intramural sports team in college, especially your freshman year. It will get you involved and enable you to broaden your social circle. Studies have shown that people involved in clubs/sports/volunteer work make more use of their time in college. It enables the student to manage their time better.
Dorm Life: Good news: this is the place that you will end up meeting a lot of your good friends. Not so good news: it may be noisy until 12 or 1 AM during the week and maybe even later on the weekends. There may be parties, loud music, doors slamming and loud conversations. If you don’t mind noises, then it probably won’t bother you. If you like quiet time, bring earplugs, an ipod, fan or whatever works to mute the sounds outside of your room. It is probably not recommended to do most of your studying there, unless you have an unusually quiet floor.
Roommates: You will be able to get in touch with your roommate over the summer. I would definitely talk, email, text and if possible, meet during the summer. This relationship is so important, especially in your freshman year. Communication is the key to this relationship. You will need to communicate your likes/dislikes/study habits/sleeping habits/social or weekend activities. Your roommate just may turn out to be your best friend in college and beyond.

I hope the advice above is helpful. As a new member of the Crossroads team, I would love to use my experience in college admissions and private industry to help any high school student located in the Eastern Middlesex County area of MA map out their college and career journey. Hope to hear from you.

Kate Lenehan

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