I've Been Accepted to Multiple Colleges - How Do I Make My Decision?

Congratulations, you’ve received acceptance offers from a handful of colleges! Now you get to choose which school is the “best fit” for you. But, how do you decide? Since you can’t visit or revisit the schools, you’ll need to do your due-diligence online before making your final decision. It’s been 3-6 months since you first submitted your application, so it’s important to refresh your memory on why you applied to each school in the first place.

• The Academic Program -Review the core curriculum and the course requirements for your majors/minors

• Campus/Student Life – Research Student Activities/Clubs, Athletics, On-Campus Events, and don’t forget to check out the surrounding area (arts & culture, restaurants, nature/city life, etc.)

• Resources/Opportunities – Community Service and Leadership Opportunities, Internships, Research, Study-Abroad Programs, Career Center, Tutoring and/or LD Resources (if needed).

• The Basics – Campus Vibe, Diversity, Housing/Dining, Freshman Year Experience

• Take a Virtual Campus Tour and Attend the Virtual Admitted Students Day

• Financial Aid/Award Comparison – Compare your COA (Cost of Attendance), and the school’s Retention and Graduation Rates. Discuss the cost of attendance and financial implications with your family such as taking out a loan and/or taking on a work-study job.

• Connect with Current Students/Faculty – Email your admissions counselor and ask if they could connect you with a current student and/or a professor in your intended major and ask questions that will help you with your decision.

Then ask yourself these questions: (sound advice from my college counseling mentor, Kathy:)

• Which of these colleges will push, but not shove me?

• Which one will stretch me out of my comfort zone, where I’ll interact with a wide range of people, take classes in new subjects, and be exposed to cultures that are different from my own?

• Which is the one where I’m most apt to be happy?

• Which one will allow me the most opportunity to continue my current interests, and add new ones?

• Which one will give me the best opportunity to learn to be a great communicator and leader?

• Where will I thrive?

• Where will I learn to be an active and responsible citizen?

Making Your Decision

Normally, all colleges share the same enrollment/deposit date of May 1st, but due to Covid-19 some schools have extended their deadline to June 1st or even later. If you are deciding between a couple of schools with a mix of May and June enrollment dates, call the admissions office at the school with the May 1st deadline and ask if you can have an extension to June 1st. Some are willing to grant you this extension.

After deciding which college you’ll attend, here are your next steps?:

1.     Accept your offer online from your portal and pay your enrollment/deposit

2.     If required, accept the financial aid (if you want to) and the merit aid awarded 

3.     AFTER receiving confirmation of your enrollment, respond to your other colleges by declining their offer. Do this formally online through your portal and by writing a quick email to your admissions representative, thanking them for their help, but letting them know you are respectfully declining their offer. This will free up a spot for another student and wrap up your dialogue with your Admissions Rep, in a thoughtful and professional manner ….You never know, you may decide to transfer there someday. 

Okay, I’ve Submitted My Enrollment Deposit  - Now What?

1.     Select housing and a roommate. (It can take a day or so after your deposit clears to have access to housing) and sign up for a dining plan.

2.     Take placement tests (if applicable, schools will want to see which English or math class to place you)

3.     Sign up for orientation (book flights, hotel accommodations, car rental as needed). Good chance this will be virtual this year, but you’ll still need to sign up.

4.     Sign up for a school email account, update contact info and emergency contact info with college and check portal for next step items that are particular to your school.

5.     If you have a learning difference, then share paperwork with the school to gain access to accommodations  

6.     Sign up for your college’s Facebook page to get updates and meet other students in your class. 

7.     Finish senior year strong. Your admission is conditional (conditional on you successfully completing your senior year courses!)

8.     Send final transcripts to schools (share with your high school counselor the college you have selected and request a transcript to be sent.) 

9.  Send official AP Scores asap so you don’t miss the deadline. Check your college’s requirements for receiving AP credit. Depending on the school, good scores could result in skipping a required course, jumping to a more advanced level course, or open up your schedule allowing you to take a double major, minor, or some courses that interest you outside of your major.

10.  Schedule a doctor appointment this summer for an annual physical and vaccinations (be sure any prescriptions you are on will carry you through till your next visit.)

11. Review and evaluate your current health insurance vs the school's health insurance and determine which is the better option for you and your family.

12. Apply for your own credit card (to establish credit history) and set up a way to transfer money between you and your parents (if they are expecting you to budget and share in paying for your expenses.)

Enjoy the rest of your Senior year and have a great summer!