The wait for college admissions decisions can be an anxious time for many students and their families. And we know just how long it can feel! Some students submit their applications months before they receive a decision, and most students will not have all of their decisions “in hand” until April 1st of their senior year.
The wait is tough. However, it's also a crucial period to stay proactive and positive. Here are some 5 action steps (plus 1 bonus step!) you can take during this waiting phase to make sure you’re in the best position to take your next steps after high school graduation.
1. Keep Your Grades Up
First and foremost, no Senioritis! It's essential to maintain your academic performance even after applications are submitted. If your application is deferred or placed on a college’s waitlist, your first-semester and even second-semester senior year grades may play a role in your application decision. Additionally, you will be required to send a final transcript to the college you choose to attend.
A significant drop in grades could negatively impact your admissions status or any potential scholarships. So don’t drop that morning class so you can sleep in, complete your assignments on time, and study for your exams. Your senior year grades are just as important as your previous ones, and keeping your grades up shows colleges your commitment to learning.
2. Focus on the Acceptances, Not the Denials
It's natural to feel disappointed if you receive a denial from a college you were excited about, but don’t let it take away from the excitement of an acceptance! Try to shift your focus to the schools that have accepted you and are excited to have you join their campus community!
Every college offers unique opportunities and experiences. Embrace the possibilities that exist at the colleges where you’ve been admitted, and envision your next four years on those campuses. If you need to do a little more research on the college’s website or social media accounts to get the complete picture, this is a great time to do that exploration.
Remember that where you go to college doesn't define your future success—it's what you do with the opportunities in front of you. It’s not where you attend college but how.
3. Campus Visits, Open Houses & Admitted Students Days
Now is the perfect time to visit any colleges where you’ve been admitted—especially if you haven’t been before! Campus visits can give you insight into the student experience and what life at that college is like.
Even if you have toured a particular campus before, you may see the college through “new eyes” now that you know you’ve been admitted. A second visit can help you make a more informed decision.
Spring is also a time when many colleges offer open houses or admitted student days. These campus events go more in-depth than a standard college tour and bring together students who may be your classmates in a few short months. These events generate a lot of excitement around the campus and let you get a taste of all the school has to offer.
4. Stay on Track with Updates from Colleges
Pay attention to any communication from colleges, whether by email, text, or postal mail. This includes colleges you’ve been admitted to as well as colleges you are still waiting to hear from!
Colleges may contact you during this time for additional information (such as updated grades), housing applications, college-specific scholarship applications, orientation dates, and more. Missing an important deadline can have significant consequences (like missing out on housing), so keep regularly checking your email and the colleges' admissions portals.
Pro Tip: Be proactive in reaching out to admissions offices if you have any questions or concerns along the way.
5. Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
The college decision waiting period is a great time to make sure you’re continuing with financial planning in the college admissions process. If you haven't already, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal financial aid, as well as the CSS Profile if any of your colleges require it. Remember that colleges have different deadlines for these forms, so check with each school to ensure you submit information on time.
You may also want to search for scholarships that match your background, skills, and interests. You can follow the college’s processes for applying for institution-based scholarships or look outside of the college for scholarship opportunities.
If you are interested in applying for outside scholarships, check out our blog post on the same topic: Scholarships 101: The Scoop on Outside Scholarships.
Bonus Step 6: Enjoy Senior Year!
Don't forget to enjoy your senior year of high school! This is a unique and special time in your life, filled with memorable experiences and milestones. Take time to celebrate your achievements and create lasting memories with friends and family.
The period between submitting college applications and receiving decisions can feel like a waiting game. But there are things you can do to take action right now and put yourself in the best position to make YOUR college decision. By focusing on your academics, exploring your options, staying positive, and keeping up with admissions tasks, you're setting yourself up for success.
Stay focused, stay positive, and look forward to the exciting times ahead!