Once again, it’s March, which means it’s time to make your picks, draw up your brackets, and watch your favorite schools compete for the NCAA championship title. But March isn’t only the time for hoop dreams; it’s for college dreams as well.
Students across the country are finally receiving admissions decisions from a multitude of colleges. Below are some tips for each possible outcome:
Admitted / Accepted
Way to go! Getting into any college is certainly something to celebrate. If you have been accepted by more than one school, you’re now in the driver’s seat. The colleges have weighed all their options and taken their time choosing you. Now it’s your turn. Keep these factors in mind when making your final decision:
- Fit: Where do you feel most comfortable and “at home”? Do a deep dive into the schools that admitted you. Learn as much as possible. Speak to current students and alumni and/or admissions representatives. If you can, visit the campus (even if you’ve already been there; now you know for sure it’s a possibility). Explore the dorms, tour the campus, and meet with people who are knowledgeable about your programs of interest. If you can’t visit the school, take a virtual tour online.
- Economics: If you’ve been offered a generous financial aid package or have received a scholarship, it may be difficult to ignore this “bonus.” Review your offers carefully to determine which makes the most financial sense for you and your family.
- Deadlines: Make sure to stay on top of deadlines so you do not miss them. Unless you applied ED1, you typically have until May 1 to notify the colleges whether you’re going to enroll. There are also housing deposits and Honors College deadlines, which may require attention sooner than May 1st. Be sure to take care of all business on time.
- Grades: Ward off senioritis! Keep your grades up and make sure your behavior is beyond reproach, both in real life and on social media. Colleges have been known to rescind admission for students who let their grades drop, or whose behavior goes against their community standards.
Still need help? Talk to a college advisor at International College Counselors. We can help you decide which school is the best fit for you.
Waitlisted
Being placed on the waitlist means the college decided you are qualified for admission, but there were more qualified applicants than spaces available. Whether or not you ultimately get admitted from the waitlist depends on yield (how many accepted students decide to attend). If fewer students decide to attend than the college was aiming for, they will look at the waitlist to admit more students. Waitlisted students should first accept their position on the waitlist. At the same time, they will need to solidify plans to attend another college, including making a deposit, in case the school you’re waitlisted at doesn’t come through in the end. If a school is going to admit from their waitlist, they will do so after May 1, and some schools will continue adding from their waitlist throughout the summer.
If you want to improve your chances of turning a “maybe” into a “yes,” here’s what you need to do:
Make an appeal:
- Follow the college’s directions. If an email is permissible, send one to the school (preferably addressed to your regional counselor) letting them know why you would be excited to attend and the reasons it’s still the best-fit school for you. Include any updated information, especially any new accomplishments or achievements.
- If the school offers the chance to appeal in the portal, use that space instead of sending an email.
- Get the best grades possible.
- Submit higher SAT/ACT scores, if possible.
Denied
You didn’t get the news you were hoping for, which can be upsetting. It’s okay and normal to feel disappointed. Give yourself some time to get over it and adjust. Applications are turned down for so many reasons, and it’s not personal. Remember how capable you are and how far you have come, then pick yourself up and explore your options. There’s no one perfect school for you. If you’ve done your homework and applied to a balanced list, you should have some other excellent options.
- Check out the colleges that have accepted you. Once you open your mind to other options, you may see there are many possibilities and opportunities out there.
- Remember that you can always try transferring in a year or two if you are still set on one particular school. Call us at International College Counselors to see how we can help you in the transfer process.
- Talk with your college advisor to review your options and find the best school for you right now.
Additional Assistance
We wish all of our students best of luck with their admissions decisions.
