By now many of you will have been receiving letters of acceptance (as well as denies, and waitlists) from the colleges and universities you’ve applied to in the fall. Congratulations – you are now seeing the fruits of all your efforts come in!
While you may also be disappointed that you may not have gotten a bid from some of your “dream” institutions or be surprised that so-and-so school turned you down, remember – if you’ve applied to a diversified list of schools – you will and do have a number of choices.
How do you decide between your choices? It’s a good problem to have a number of good choices. Your decision will be weighed by the logical or factual (such as cost, geography, facilities, majors) and the gut, or emotional (how do you feel about the school)?
Take a deep breath.
Start with eliminating the schools that you know that you don’t want to attend – this will help you shortlist and focus on the ones you are more seriously considering.
For those institutions you have shortlisted – say two or three – really dig down into the main points. Consider:
Location: Is it easy to get to from where I live? Can I live with the climate, weather?
Finances: What is the total price tag of admission for each school? What are the financial aid offers, if any? Can I get a better offer here or somewhere else?
Look and Feel: You may want to visit the school (s) if possible. Many colleges and universities will have an Accepted Student Day where you can visit the campus. If not, many schools will also have virtual programs for you.
Personal Contacts: Talk to a current student or recent graduate for their take.
Ask yourself: Can I see myself thriving at this school for the next four years? Is this an environment that fits who I am and what I want to be?
As for waitlisted schools that you would like to attend: recognize that it will not be a sure thing that you can come off the waitlist. Offers off the waitlist will come after May 1 (commit day) so you will have to put down a deposit to a school that has accepted you…and you’ll have to eat that deposit if you opt for a college or university with an offer off the waitlist.
Good luck, and remember – it’s not where you go that ultimately matters, but how you make the most of your opportunities.
