May 1st College Decision Day Is Fast Approaching

April 1st has passed. That’s the deadline day for most colleges to let students know whether or not they’ve been accepted.  Now the ball is in the student’s court!  Many students find themselves with a pile of acceptance letters.  How should they make this pivotal decision?

First of all, remember the purpose of college.  It’s certainly intended to make students more educated, in general, and more aware of the world and the issues surrounding them.  But, more pragmatically, most students attend college with the goal of preparing for a career that will support them for the rest of their lives.  So, the best choice college is often the one with the strongest program in a student’s intended field of study. 

When deciding between several colleges, students should seek some key information from each. What percent of students with one’s chosen major are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation? What is the median salary, one year after graduation, of students with one’s chosen major? What is the college’s acceptance rate to medical or law school (if that is a future goal)?

Every college should have the answers to these questions, and supporting data can also be gleaned from the website www.collegescorecard.ed.gov

Finances also come into play in the decision of many students, and it’s important to realize that the financial aid “package” offered by any particular college can often be negotiated.  If a student’s dream college offers less money than another college to which the student has been accepted, there’s no harm in contacting the admissions office at the preferred college and requesting that the grant money (the “scholarship” portion that does not get paid back) be reconsidered.  Let the #1 college know of the other, better offers. 

Hopefully, students have been taking advantage of “Accepted (or Admitted) Students’ Day” at the colleges that are still under consideration. It’s the perfect opportunity for students to get another feel for each college, ask any questions that are still on their mind, and consider all aspects of each school, including the food, dorms, activities, campus, and surrounding community. 

May 1st – College Decision Day – is fast approaching. So students need to make their final decision and then let the college of their choice know they will be coming by getting their deposit money in by the deadline date. 

Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362