After the work you have put into the college application process, acceptance letters finally start to arrive. Now that you have your options laid out in front of you, how do you know which college will be the best fit for you? For some students, one school sticks out from the rest and it’s an easy decision. For others, they may feel torn between schools.
Take a deep breath and be grateful for choices.
- Compare all opportunities for final decision-making.
- Make a pros and cons list for each college choice.
- Compare your initial reasons for applying to a specific college to how you might feel about the opportunities after you graduate.
- Remember that your college campus will become your home away from home. Select a campus that will make you feel happy, confident and challenged.
- Practice etiquette when accepting an admission offer.
- Sign the acceptance letter and submit the required college deposits on time. Keep in mind that May 1st is the deadline for most colleges.
- Housing, financial aid and scholarship forms must be returned before deadlines.
- Order a final transcript and AP scores to send to the college.
- Make notes on the calendar when tuition and room and board fees are due so that you don’t forget to pay them.
- Attend pre-admission college events to meet future classmates and get to know the campus.
- Remember to inform other colleges that you’ve decided to decline their offers.
- Send a written note (preferably not email) prior to May 1st.
- Be grateful for their consideration.
- Provide which college you will be attending and why.
- Thank staff members who assisted you with the college admissions.
- Note if there was a specific recruitment effort that sparked your interest to apply to their college.
- Check out the UNL/UNO/UNK Tips for the Education Journey concerning housing, financial aid and scholarships.
Lots of choices can be overwhelming, but with the right process, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.
The Independent Learner 