This month, seniors you are hearing back from colleges. Assuming you applied to a fair number, you will hear acceptances (yay!) and unfortunately denials too (boo).
I received a call recently from a student asking what to do after being rejected from his top choice school. Going into the admissions process, he had taken a chance applying there. His GPA was below the middle 50% score range of accepted students, and he opted to omit his SAT score. We both knew that the likelihood of acceptance was a reach.
Although we took this inbound perspective, he still wanted us to brainstorm together what to do. He asked if he should appeal, or if there was anything else he could do to convince them to change the decision. I took a moment to empathize with him, as I know what it’s like to want something and it not come through. But my advice to him, since he was accepted into five schools, was to get excited about those schools, as there were things he liked about them. Moreover after playing devil’s advocate with him, we came to consensus for why the other schools might be better suited for him after all.
Get excited about the schools that said “Congratulations, you’re in!”
When a college says yes, celebrate and share the news. The fruits of your labor have finally paid off. Once all the financial aid packages have been delivered, sit with your family and make a complete evaluation. Also consider making a trip to make a further determination of your fit for each school. Since you’re officially accepted, this visit will be about ensuring the school is a place in which you can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
You have until May 1 to make a decision. Once you have decided a college, the timeline towards matriculation moves quickly, with you paying a deposit, negotiating a financial aid offer, signing a Master Promissory Note if you’re taking a loan, completing housing forms, choosing roommate preferences, attending summer orientation, and shopping at Target for dorm room supplies. There is a lot to do! And it’s surreal to think that in five months, you’ll be a college student.
From now until then, keep in close touch with colleges and track enrollment requirements and deadlines closely. Also of utmost importance, for colleges you’re accepted to and decide not to attend, is letting them know ASAP. Look for the acceptance/rejection form included with the letter of admission. Once the college knows your decision, your spot, and the financial aid that came with it, can be offered to a wait listed student.
Good luck and see the pictograph (to the upper right) for additional tips on what to do when accepted to college.
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