How to Commit to a College After Being Accepted?

Hey everyone! I'm starting to think about what to do once I (hopefully) receive some college acceptances. How does committing to a college work after you've been accepted? What are the steps involved in this process?

Hello! Congratulations on your upcoming decisions! Once you receive your college acceptances, the process for committing to a college is relatively straightforward. Here are the main steps:

1. Review offers and financial aid: Take a thorough look at the financial aid packages offered by the colleges where you've been accepted. Compare tuition, room and board, special fees, and financial aid offers to determine the best fit for you and your family. Make sure to consider factors like location, campus culture, academic programs, and overall fit when making your decision as well.

2. Visit colleges (if possible): If you haven't already, try to visit the colleges that you are considering. Some schools offer accepted student open house events where you can meet with faculty, tour the campus, and learn more about the academic programs and student life. Keep in mind, though, that you can also access virtual tours and resources available online, attend webinars, or even talk to current students or alumni if in-person visits aren't possible.

3. Make your decision: Consider your options carefully and discuss the decision with your family. Think about which school best aligns with your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences.

4. Notify the chosen college: Once you've made your decision, notify the school that you plan to attend by submitting your enrollment confirmation and deposit. This typically involves logging into your applicant portal and following the prompts to confirm your decision. Deposits are generally non-refundable and vary in cost, so make sure you're ready to commit before doing so. Deadlines for this step are usually May 1st for most colleges, but be sure to double-check the dates for each specific school.

5. Decline other offers: As a courtesy, notify the other colleges where you were accepted, but have decided not to attend. This action helps them finalize their numbers for the incoming class and allows waitlisted students to have a chance at acceptance. Most schools will have a specific decline option within the applicant portal.

6. Submit housing and orientation forms: After committing to a college, make sure to complete any additional required steps, such as filling out housing forms, submitting roommate preferences, and signing up for orientation sessions. Deadlines for these tasks can vary, so check your accepted student portal or email communications from the school for details.

7. Send final documents: Your chosen college might ask for final high school transcripts, AP scores (if relevant), and possibly proof of immunizations. Make sure to work with your high school counselor to send these documents when requested.

Once you complete these steps, you should be all set. Enjoy your summer and look forward to your college adventure!