Many of you may have questions like "What do I do now?" or "How do I prepare for college in the fall?" Well, here is the info you've all been waiting for!

We developed 8 essential items every incoming CECS student should know as they prepare to come to WSU in the fall. Take a look at the information listed below to learn more about how you can get ready for college. We want to make your transition from high school to college as smooth as possible and these essentials are key to your success. So review this info and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! We look forward to seeing you this summer at Orientation! (Stop in and see CECS staff at the "U R Wright State" event during the afternoon session of Orientation).

1. Study for your Math Placement Level Test

• Make sure to review your algebra and trig notes from high school - memorize those formulas!
• Get a good night's sleep before you take your test
• Try to achieve a high score on the test - it will save you from having to take algebra and trig review courses
• Do you want some additional math practice? If so, check out the following review sites before taking the Math Placement Level test:
  • http://www.act.org/compass/sample/math.html
  • http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html - specifically look at "Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra & Algebra" and "College Algebra, Geometry, & Trigonometry"
  • http://www.testprepreview.com/
  • http://www.math.com/
  • http://www.quickmath.com/
  • http://www.sosmath.com/

2. Consider attending the Academic Advantage Program

• Attend this program to get a jump start on fall quarter - August 24-29, 2008
• It will help you make a successful transition from high school to college and may also save you from having to take algebra and trig review courses
• You will meet about half of your freshman class, plus it is a great way to make friends before classes even begin!
• Meet some of the College's faculty and learn your way around before fall quarter
• Visit http://www.engineering.wright.edu/aap to download a brochure or register for the program...if you register before June 1st you'll receive a $25 discount
• Deadline to register for Academic Advantage is August 8th!

3. Register for an Engineering Learning Community

• What is a Learning Community? A Learning Community is a small group of new students who take two or more classes in common
• Meet students and make friends within the same college as you
• Learning Communities help you form study groups which are so important to have throughout college
• 80% of new students choose to participate in a Learning Community

There are several options available for CECS students, including:

Program-based Learning Communities: CECS Students in certain majors have natural Learning Communities as part of their program.

Sample Program-based Learning Communities
EGR 190 EGR 101 CHM 121 CHM 125	EGR 190 EGR 101

Seminar-based Learning Communities: Students participate in Learning Communities centered upon a first-year seminar that focuses on issues relating to enhancing success in college. Many of these spend part of their time in activities relating to a special theme or focus.

Sample Seminar-based Learning Communities
HONORS UH 101 ENG 101 EGR 101	UVC 101 PSY 105	UVC 101 ENG 101	UVC 101 HST 102

4. Register for a math class during fall quarter and attend all your classes

• Be sure to register for either EGR 199 or EGR 101 for Fall 2008 depending on your Math Placement Level
• CECS students need to take a math course every quarter during their first year to stay on track within the curriculum so check with your advisor to make sure you are taking the correct courses
• Download a chart outlining the Suggested Fall Quarter Courses for CECS Students

5. Join a CECS Student Club

• Clubs are a great way to meet students, make friends, and get advice from upperclassmen - you may even get some free pizza from time-to-time
• It's a good idea to join one or two and be an active member in them
• Don't join all of the clubs - you need to make sure you still have enough time to study
• A listing of CECS clubs can be found at: http://www.cs.wright.edu/cecs/student-clubs.phtml
• For other organizations on campus, please visit the Office of Student Activities website at: http://www.wright.edu/studentactivities/studentorgs/

6. Use our Student Help Room

• The College offers free tutoring in math, science, computer programming, and some fundamental engineering courses in the Student Study Lounge
• Feel free to stop in when you have a question or are struggling with a class - get help before you need it!
• Hours vary each quarter, so check out the current help room schedule: http://www.cs.wright.edu/cecs/current-students/cecs-help-room.shtml

7. Meet with your academic advisor each quarter

• Be sure you know the name of your academic advisor
• Meet with your academic advisor every quarter for your first year to make sure you take the correct courses

8. Check your WSU email account often

• Log in to WINGS and check your WSU email at least 2-3 times a week - this is how we communicate important information to you
• Read all email from the College and department offices