The day has been circled on the calendar for months… May 1st- National Decision Day. It’s time to celebrate your acceptances and finally choose the school where you will spend the next four years of your life! For some, that decision is easy, but for others, the hardest part of the college admissions process may be actually choosing a college! For months you waited anxiously to hear back from your schools – and now, the tables are turned: you hold the power and are the one making the decision on where you will attend.
For those still making a decision, it’s time to revisit the criteria you used to build your list and choose the right fit school for you. Be mindful, however, that you’ve grown throughout your senior year and a lot has happened since you clicked “submit” on your applications several months ago. For instance, you might have had a transformative conversation during an interview with an admissions representative or alum. Maybe you learned about a major or program during a revisit to campus that has sparked a new interest. Or perhaps, a school on your list carried you further on your March Madness bracket than you would have ever imagined – everyone loves a good Cinderella story! Ultimately, it’s important to reflect once again on who you are and who you want to become so you can choose the school that’s best suited to support you on this journey.
Remember, you’ve done SO MUCH work to get here! Take another pass at the top characteristics you had originally admired most about each school where you are accepted and weigh their current value. Looking at a college from the lens of being an actual student is very different than when you were just hoping they’d accept you. Make sure to be cognizant of student support offerings (academic, health and wellness, and career development). No matter which college you choose, these services will be crucial to your experiences (and successes) as you navigate college life. Take a moment to actually imagine yourself at each school – how does it make you feel? In the end, trust your gut! With all of the hard work you’ve put in leading up to this milestone, we know one thing is certain: the future is BRIGHT!
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