Summer Orientation?

<p>What all do you exactly do at summer orientation? I see that it is optional, but I thought that was when we registered for classes. Just any information someone can give about it would be helpful. Thanks!</p>

<p>Some of it is worthwhile, some not. They could accomplish the same thing in half the time. There is alot of rah-rah stuff, but you also will have some meetings with your department and advisors. The most important thing you do is register for fall. My DS could not go until the last session last year, and although he was able to get the classes he needed, it was more difficult. The earlier you go in the summer, the better. That gives you more opportunity later in the summer to change things.</p>

<p>if you dont go you still get to resiter for classes the week before school starts…</p>

<p>Yes, that is correct. However, the choices are more limited.</p>

<p>If you go earlier, you might actually be able to meet a roommate that you can specify on your housing form before the early July deadline, and more classes are likely to be open.
If you go later, you will have your AP test score results and know which classes you have credit for.
Here’s an older thread on the topic. The 2007 agenda is still on line.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-texas-austin/644753-what-all-do-you-do-ut-orientation.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-texas-austin/644753-what-all-do-you-do-ut-orientation.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

<p>Don’t discount the rah-rah stuff. Making connections is a huge factor in student success. You might also want to plan to attend Camp Texas: [Camp</a> Texas 2010](<a href=“http://www.texasexes.org/camptexas/index.asp]Camp”>http://www.texasexes.org/camptexas/index.asp)</p>

<p>Thanks! I had never even heard of Camp Texas</p>

<p>Is this something you would do by yourself? or can you bring along your parents also??</p>

<p>Camp Texas is for students only.</p>

<p>Orientation is offered to both students and parents. However, all the sessions (except the BBQ dinner) are separate.</p>

<p>as a parent who attended Orientation with my OOS daughter, I will offer an insights.
Parent Orientation is the first day only. Students are there from Tuesday -Friday. I traveled far to attend, and found it to be useless.<br>
I would tell all students to stay in the dorms. You will have lots of free time, and you will have lots of chances to meet future friends. My D met many kids, hung out with girls who are now sorority sisters, and attended some fun activities and parties. I would suggest bringing a laptop, and registering from your own computer online. This will enhance your chances of getting the classes you want. If you wait on the registration line, you might miss the window to get what you want. </p>

<p>The earlier you attend orientation, the better. If you do not get the classes you want, you can retry from home each Thursday. My daughter was able to get a class that was full at her session, the following week when she went online from home. You must first attend Orientation to register. Once you have done so, the system does not stop you from retrying each of the following weeks. In other words, you can go online during subsequent orientations, and register for sold out classes. They hold some spots open for each orientation. Nothing stops you from changing. It is a flaw in the system, seldom talked about, that benefits kids who go to the first couple of orientations. </p>

<p>Hope that helped. Good Luck</p>

<p>Oh, another thing: you can find a “group” for season tickets for football games at orientation. By the time school starts, it is too late to get season tickets for football games. (If you don’t find a group, you should just get a student season ticket on your own over the summer. At most games, it will be okay to move around within the student section to sit with friends.)</p>

<p>I have a question about orientation – online you are supposed to sign up for certain tests if you want to take them, such as Government, Math and Languages. Some are for placement, I think, while others may give you credit…I’m confused. Which should I sign up for?</p>

<p>They’ll tell you at orientation. If you took AP Gov and passed the AP test, you need to take the Texas Gov test in order to get credit, so a lot of people take that.</p>