May 1st is a momentous day for college bound students. It’s National College Decision Day – the deadline day for college applicants to confirm their enrollment for the upcoming fall semester.
Typically, high school seniors apply to a gamut of schools, spreading their applications out among perceived “stretch,” “target,” and “safety” schools. By March 1st they will have heard back from the vast majority of these colleges, letting them know whether or not they have been accepted. Now, the ball is in the student’s court.
Often, there is a clear-cut favorite and enrollment decision is an easy one. Other times it’s a difficult choice. As May 1st approaches, students who are unsure of which college to choose may decide to “double deposit” – accepting admission at two schools and paying an enrollment deposit at each. While possible to do, this is considered unethical as the student will ultimately attend only one university. It’s also unfair to one’s peers, as it’s taking up a spot that could be cherished by another student. Likewise, it’s a waste of money, as enrollment deposits are typically nonrefundable.
By investing some time and resources in advance, students can make a decisive choice by the time National Decision Day rolls around. Most colleges host an Accepted Students Day where they highlight the attributes of their school and try to entice the students they have accepted to actually enroll. Students should make the most of this opportunity and ask any questions that are on their mind regarding the academic and social offerings at each college under consideration.
Students should also do independent research, looking into the curriculum at each school for their intended major. It’s also helpful to check out the graduation rate at each college, as well as the employment rate within six months of graduation, and the starting salary of graduates with one’s intended major.
Students should investigate the campus and community life of each school under consideration. Perhaps there are favorite activities from high school that a student hopes to engage in at college, or specific new ones that will hopefully be available.
Students should compare the financial aid packages being offered by the colleges under consideration. Perhaps one school is offering a significantly higher merit scholarship. Likely the base price of the colleges varies as well.
By doing their homework in advance, students can celebrate National Decision Day as a time when the stressful college application process is behind them and their exciting college years lie ahead.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review which offers PSAT/SAT® preparation, essay editing, and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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