Parent's FAQ Page

• Admission and Financial Aid Process
• How do we determine what we can afford?

Each school will have a different financial aid process, and it can be very daunting.  Take it one step at a time, and it will be more manageable.  As I mentioned above, make copies of everything and have a folder to keep all the information together.  Do not wait for the admission decision to apply for aid or you may be too late.  Financial Aid deadlines are very important so if a school requires prior year tax returns as part of the process, file early so you can meet the deadlines.  Click on the Affordability tab above to learn more about the process at Oxford College and Emory University.

• Are rankings important?

They certainly do not tell the whole story or even measure the things that your student may think are important.  There are so many wonderful schools offering a variety of options that the rankings might help in the beginning but let the contacts with the admission office and the campus visit play the most important role as you go through the process.  In addition to rankings, we recommend asking schools if they have completed the National Survey of Student Engagement.  This comprehensive survey of undergraduate students provides great information about the true learning experience of current students at a college or university.

• Is it important to visit the campus?

Yes, plan to visit each school your student may be interested in attending.  If you are using the visit to determine whether or not to apply, plan those visits in the junior year when the student has a school break.  Make sure the college or university is in session, so you can talk to current students.  Plan your visit through the Admission Office, even if you know someone on campus.  That way, your son or daughter will get credit for the visit since that is one of the best ways to show interest in a school.

Plan to eat on campus when you visit - either at the dining hall or student center - in order to interact with more current students.  This allows you to talk to students and faculty who are not part of the admission tour and can help your student determine if the school is somewhere s/he will fit in.

• How do we manage the application process?

We found it helpful to have a college calendar to keep up with all the deadlines (admission, financial aid & academic scholarships) for the various schools, as well as the campus visit events, college fairs, etc.  In addition, a separate folder for each school with copies of everything you sent, including the date sent, was helpful.  We also had a folder for all federal and state financial aid information.

• How can we organize all the admission information schools are sending us?

Set aside a box to keep up with the information received in the mail and picked up at college fairs.  As there is time, have your student go through the material and select those institutions she/he may want to review again later.  Place those in a separate box so there is no need to look at everything again.

• Academics
• Where do students study on campus?

There are a number of options for quiet study outside of the obvious choice of the library. Residence halls have lounges and study rooms as well as Phi Gamma, a building reserved for quiet study, open 24 hours a day.

• How many hours a week should a student plan to study?

This depends on an individual's ability and need in a given course and/or major. The average varies considerably, but students can expect to spend between 20 and 30 hours per week outside the classroom reading, completing assignments, searching the library or writing papers.

• Will I be sent a grade report for my student?

Students are able to access their grades online through OPUS. Parents will receive a copy only if their student requests one to be sent to their home address. Students can give parents guest access to their OPUS account online.

• Does the university make sure my son or daughter will take the required courses?

It is the student's responsibility to monitor progress towards their degree but they are provided all the resources necessary. Each student is matched with a faculty advisor based on the student's interest or intended major. Students can meet with their academic advisors as often as they like and should keep them informed of changes in the students educational or career goals, or any other matters which may affect their academic progress.

• Campus
• Orientation
• Can I attend orientation with my son or daughter?

Parents are encouraged and welcome to help their student move into Oxford and attend parent sessions on the first day of orientation. However, parents are asked to say their goodbyes at the end of the day, as the rest of the week is for students only.

• When is orientation for incoming students?

Orientation for all new students will be held the week leading up to classes starting in August. Oxford does not hold summer orientation.

• Visiting and Involvement
• Are there ways for me to be involved as a parent at Oxford?

The Office of Enrollment Services has a group of enthusiastic parent volunteers called the Parent Recruitment Network. This group is responsible for contacting the parents of prospective students during the spring and summer to convey their and their student's experience at Oxford. Information about this group will be distributed during Orientation.

• When should I visit my student on campus?

Of course you are welcome to visit any time. However, our Office of Development and University Relations plans a wonderful Family Weekend each fall that parents and students look forward to.